Pictures show British Home Stores in Aberdeen through the years
ByIain Harris
BHS first opened a branch in Aberdeen in 1974.
For over 40 years British Homes Stores has played a key role in the Aberdeen shopping landscape, however, that could be set to change with news that the high street chain could go into administration.
BHS is one of the UK’s most recognised high street brands but it has struggled against value fashion rivals and online shopping.
Up to 11,000 BHS workers now face an anxious wait amid fears the high street chain is poised to go into administration.
It is understood that British Home Stores, which has 164 shops, could plunge into administration today which would end 88-years of trading.
If the company does collapse it would be the biggest retail failure since Woolworths folded in 2008 resulted in the loss of 30,000 jobs.
The BHS Aberdeen store first opened on Union Street in 1974 and has won various awards, including the Superintendent Trophy for best store in 1976 along with the company’s top food store trophy in May 1983.
Demolition of Aberdeen’s New Market in 1971. A site that would soon be home to BHS
BHS opens November 6 1974 as the company’s second largest site in Britain
The staff of Aberdeen’s British Home Stores were presented with a plaque for their efforts in raising money for Cottage Homes in 1976. The store raised £870 and came third in a national competition to raise money for retired people in the retail trade who couldn’t afford their own home.
The Union Street store won the Superintendent Trophy for being the Top Store in Scotland/North of England in 1976
Food department staff of British Home Stores in Aberdeen won the company’s top food store trophy in May 1983.
BHS in 1992
BHS in an updated Union Street in 2008.
BHS earlier this year
Pictures show British Home Stores in Aberdeen through the years