Farewell to West Ealing BHS

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Historical day as doors close on landmark shop

(images courtesy Rory Thomas Butler)

High street retailer BHS has closed its West Ealing branch - one of 164 store nationwide.

The company became part of Arcadia Group in 2009 when it was bought by Sir Philip Green but went into liquidation after BHS was sold to the consortium Retail Acquisitions Ltd for a nominal price of £1.

Local journalist Rory Thomas Butler visited the West Ealing shop on its final day and has sent this report:

Today hundreds of customers descended on the local store to snap-up the remaining stock at rock bottom prices, as the West Ealing branch closes its door for the last time.

Customers formed a bustling line that ran the length of the store and almost out onto the street. When asked, a male employee who said he worked part-time (and did not wish to be named) said, "this is it, today! I think it's been sold off, or perhaps it will move online. I'm only part-time but I think everyone is being made redundant. It's sad". 

Most employees declined to comment amid a downcast and disappointed atmosphere. Yet, they continued to work diligently assisting the swathes of customer demanding details of BOGOF deals and stock prices. The store was covered with "last day today" signs and makeshift paper headers hand-written in pen with final prices and cheap deals.

Rory Thomas Butler (twitter @rorythomasb)

 

The property has controversially changed hands a number of times - resulting in a £3.5M profit for Green's stepson Brett Palos.

Owners, Thames Valley Housing plan to turn the store into a new retail and housing development, creating 136 flats. 

Work is expected to start on the site later this year, ready for completion in 2018.

 

25th August 2016