Countdown to store closure begins

Retailer set to disappear from UK’s high streets

The countdown to the closure of the BHS store in Ashford’s County Square shopping centre is now under way.

Signs have gone up in the windows at the store’s entrance announcing a ‘Store Closing!’ sale, with all stock reduced by at least 30%.

However no date for the actual closure has yet been revealed.

The closure of the Ashford store and scores of other BHS outlets follows the failure by administrators to find a buyer for the ailing retail chain.

The Ashford branch has been trading in County Square for more than a decade and will be closed along with other BHS stores in Kent in Gravesend, Hempstead Valley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, with the loss of more than 11,000 jobs.

Administrators Duff and Phelps said multiple offers were received but it wasn’t able to complete a deal which met the capital needs of the business, which has a pension deficit of more than £570 million.

All 163 BHS stores now face closure in the coming weeks.

The company fell into administration in April.

The retailer was sold to city investors Retail Acquisitions for £1 last year by Arcadia Group, owned by the billionaire retail entrepreneur Sir Philip Green, who also owns Top Shop.

Mr Green has since been criticised over the sale and faced tough questions when he appeared in front of the business select committee.

Now the big question for Ashford is ... who is likely to take over the BHS premises when it shuts?

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk Shirley Gough said: “Need a hardware store like Dyers, or a bigger M&S, more choice of clothes and homeware dept.” Jason Gilham said: “Poundland would be nice.”

Picture: Gary Browne FM4411556 BHS in County Square is closing but no official date has been announced