BHS to close Stratford store next weekend

THE BHS store in Stratford-upon-Avon, will be among the first of 20 across the country to close.

It is due to shut for the final time on Saturday, 23rd July.

Around 30 people are understood to work at the store in Bridge Street that BHS has occupied since 1994.

The company went into administration earlier in the year and last month it was concluded that no buyer could be found.

It is considered one of the biggest collapses of a retailer since Woolworths went out of business in 2008.

Dave Gill, national officer for Usdawm the shopworkers’ union, said: “We are saddened to hear the administrators for BHS have announced they are closing 20 stores, which will impact around 600 staff.

"We hope that other retailers, including Sir Phillip Green’s Arcadia group, will offer employment to these experienced, dedicated and loyal staff who suddenly find themselves unemployed.

“We believe there is hope for the remaining stores with the administrators continuing to seek buyers and we are still waiting to hear the details of Sir Phillip’s offer to ‘sort’ the pension scheme.

"In the meantime we are providing the support, advice and representation our members require at this difficult time.”