Shoppers in west London are urged to get behind the #SaveBHS campaign launched by its 11,000-strong workforce to save the iconic retailer.
People are being asked to share, like and retweet images from British Home Stores (BHS) and post any messages of support using #SaveBHS on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram, as staff rally the nation to fight to prevent the famous brand from disappearing from our high streets.
British Home Stores (BHS) filed for administration on April 25, putting 11,000 jobs on the line across more than 160 stores including its flagship store on Oxford Street and across west London in West Ealing , Uxbridge and Harrow .
The mass social media campaign is part of a crusade to rescue the department store from collapse, which saw multiple London landmarks lit up in red, white and blue, on Monday (May 9).
The 88-year-old retail giant unveiled a ‘guerrilla’ style campaign with a 100ft tall projected image emblazoned at its headquarters on Marylebone Road as well as Marble Arch, Wellington Arch and Blackfriars Bridge.
Staff arrive at BHS HQ in April to learn it had filed for administration
Simon Lamb, 46, store manager from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, who has worked for the business for 27 years and is married with three children, said: “The Dunkirk spirit has taken over and everyone is getting on with their jobs with dignity.
"No one is holding their heads in their hands thinking about what might be. Most have been here for many years and almost regard it as their second family.”
Joint administrators Philip Duffy and Benjamin Wiles have said they have ‘received a number of expressions of interest’ signalling a potential buyout.
And following the announcement of administration, former racing driver and businessman, Dominic Chappell, BHS owner, said ‘no-one is to blame’ for the collapse.
Stephen Hill, 31, commercial manager at the Croydon store who joined in December, added: “Most people have been here 15 to 20 years and everyone is proud that they are part of the Great British High Street. We are all getting on with our jobs as you would expect.
"It is hard seeing everything that has been written about us but we are determined to show the best of what we do.”
'We don't want to see another British institution disappear'
Tony Holdway, BHS marketing and creative director said: “The #SaveBHS campaign speaks on behalf of the 11,000 staff at risk and our millions of customers all over the UK who do not want to see another British institution disappear from the great British high street.
“We have received overwhelming support from staff, customers and suppliers, since the announcement. These are people who have shopped with us, worked with or for us, often for many years, and always saw BHS as a permanent fixture on their high street.
“We ask that everyone join us in support of British Home Stores, tweet or Instagram us with your messages using #SaveBHS. We do not intend to go down without a fight.”
Useful advice on the current changes to shopping in-store and online are available online.
As the future of BHS hangs in the balance, take a look back at some of the shops missing from the high street since the recession.
