60% of BHS stores still vacant as demand for big stores falters

Over half of former BHS stores remain empty a year after the department store chain fell into liquidation, according to new data.

Research from the Local Data Company has revealed that 60 per cent of 160 stores shut in August 2016 remain unused.

Only 25 of the 160 stores have been taken over by retailers like Primark and Sports Direct, while another 35 stores (22 per cent) are expected to have planning permission approved or have new tenants move in.

READ MORE:  Arcadia Group strikes £30m deal with BHS liquidators

Polish fashion retailer Reserved is set to move into BHS’s former London flagship on Oxford Street, while B&M and Next have snapped up other BHS properties across the UK.

The fallout from the department store chain’s collapse is still being felt as Dominic Chappell, the man who bought the retailer for £1 in March 2015 and oversaw it during its demise, is being prosecuted by the Pensions Regulator for failing to provide information to aid an investigation.

Meanwhile, the BHS‘s previous owner Arcadia Group has penned a £30 million deal with liquidators FRP Advisory after a legal challenge was submitted to the high court.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter

Department StoresProperty

Filters

RELATED STORIES

Menu

Close popup