Not The Best Of British Stores? (BHS British Home Stores)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	BHS British Home Stores
Date:	09/11/09 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Generally well laid-out stores with good customer service, nice jewellery often on offer

Disadvantages: Not suitable for everyone in terms of style, size or price

BHS is one of those places I don't shop in frequently, but often have a look in when I'm there, especially if there's a sale on.

British Home Stores, aka BHS, dates back to 1928. It's a popular British department store that's become a household name, so I'd be surprised if anyone hasn't at least heard the name.

It originally started out as an alternative place to larger stores such as John Lewis for 'less affluent' shoppers.

With around 186 stores in the UK, it's not too hard to come across a BHS as many cities will have one. They're found on the highstreet, often in shopping centres, and most are of a very good size with two floors.

It was only 2 years ago, back in 2007, that BHS began their website, which I've also reviewed. This shows that they're a popular store, and the website is a great way to browse their range and get a feel for what they sell prior to going to a store.

Based on the stores I've been to, they well laid-out in the sense that items are well-stocked and they're clutter-free. This is important because there's a fair amount of ground to cover and you need to be move around the store easily. There can be quite a few people in BHS, especially at Christmas or when there's a good sale on, but generally speaking they're not over-packed.

In terms of first appearances, BHS does seem somewhat dated. I must admit that when I think of BHS I do think of the older shoppers and fashion that's more comfort orientated than stylish. This is reflected in the general feel of most of their outlets, but I do think the changes over the years are helping to modernise BHS.

Their range includes:

Homewares - lighting, bedding, decorative items
Furniture - usually in the much bigger outlets I believe as I haven't really seen any furniture in the stores near me
Women - a good range of basic clothing, seasonal clothing, special wear like pretty dresses for parties, work wear, jewellery, accessories, shoes etc
Lingerie - a good selection of sizes, designs and prices for both basics and more sexy pieces
Weddings - some very pretty wedding-related pieces, so it's a good option if you're looking for something smart and pretty for both adults and children
Men - Usually a slightly smaller selection than the women's department
Children & babies - from tiny tots to teens, including Tammy & Flipback ranges


Generally speaking, the range is quite good, it's the styles available that let them down a bit. With women's clothing in mind, I personally wouldn't look at half the stuff they sell because it doesn't suit me. I think the styles are a bit dated, a tad frumpy, and actually quite pricey. I also struggle to find clothes to fit me, especially in BHS, as the smaller sizes are quite hard to come by.

Prices are probably average for a department store, but I think they're a bit pricey because I'm a Primark girl at heart and love sales. The quality does seem to be quite good, so if you're prepared to spend £20 on quite a plain top, then at least you know it should wash well and last a while.

BHS also have a reasonably good selection of goodies at seasonal periods, such as Christmas, which is another reason to take a browse next time you're near a store.

That said, they often have offers on, which is when I usually have a browse. Admittedly, the most recent things I bought from BHS were from the website because I couldn't find the items or the sizes I wanted in store. I bought a jacket and slippers for my father's birthday, and he was very pleased with them. The sale prices were brilliant and the quality was very good, so I've had positive experiences with BHS. Last year I did buy something for myself, a padded but smart warm black coat, but I guess this is quite a generic piece of clothing. Other than the odd purchases, their styles aren't really 'my cuppa tea', but I do love their jewellery! Especially when there's a discount, the jewellery is hard to resist!

I've found the customer service to be good; staff are quite quick, friendly and helpful. This makes shopping in BHS a more pleasant experience, and the stores have quite a relaxed feel to them. Also, in many stores now, you'll find a BHS café, again showing that it's a popular store that's continuing to grow.

Overall, whilst it's not in my top choices for shopping because of my age, smaller size and taste in style, it's a nice store to browse around/for window shopping, even if you can't find anything to buy.

Summary: Not at the top of its game anymore...