There aren’t many of us past a certain age who don’t remember BHS. Once a high street titan among department stores, in latter years it was a comforting familiarity — something of a dependable British institution, alongside fellow contemporaries Woolworths and Marks and Spencer.
Opening its first store in Brixton in 1928, British Home Stores — as its name would suggest — offered household goods and groceries. By 1929, the store was selling home furnishings, a department for which it would become well-loved. And within this range, BHS stood out with their design and sales of one particular product — lighting.
In fact, BHS lighting would go on to become something of a phenomenon in its own right. Within the UK lighting industry, BHS would grow to become a major player with a large market share. And despite the company’s eventual decline, and sad departure from the high street, the store’s lighting arm remained strong.
That’s why, we’re lucky at First Choice Lighting to have some of the British Home Stores’ remaining lighting stock, which we’re offering at a significantly discounted rate to its original retail price.
So what’s so great about BHS lighting?
For starters, they really knew their stuff.
BHS were so up on their lighting, they actually released a book about it.
Called ‘The BHS Lighting Book’, it was released in 1985 and covered everything from the basics of light bulbs, shades, fittings, style and fashion to room planning, designer lighting, manufacturing and wiring.
From queen of shops Mary Portas to interior designer Callum Lumsden, stalwarts from the world of retail and design agree — if British Home Stores’ presence on the high street had a chance of being saved, their lighting department was key to that redemption.
Quality and style.
Whilst in its earliest inception nothing in the store cost more than a shilling, BHS would not go on to model itself as a budget store. Instead, its priority was to offer its customers a quality range of household products and clothing, at varying prices.
The discerning lighting customer could therefore find staple table lamps as easily as stunning, statement crystal chandeliers. What every product had in common, was quality craftsmanship and design.
Chrome and crystal.
In latter years, BHS were well-known for their chrome and crystal lighting range. A contemporary and well-loved combination, the modern aesthetic of chrome brings the elegance and delicacy of crystal into a 21st century setting with stylish aplomb.
One perfect example of this is the BHS Sapparia 5 light chrome and crystal chandelier — an exquisitely beautiful, modern chandelier suited to traditional or contemporary interiors alike. With an original price of £120, First Choice Lighting have a limited quantity available for just £59.99.
Bringing focus to any dining room, hallway or lounge, the Sapparia chandelier casts a bright and soft, upward glow and has swiftly become an online favourite with First Choice Lighting customers.
Alternatively, with a more modern edge, the BHS Roma chrome and crystal glass flush ceiling light casts a beautiful, bright light through sparkling, cascading crystal beads, adding a uniquely stunning feature within any room.
You’ll find our full BHS Clearance Lighting range on the First Choice Lighting website.
Onwards and upwards.
Whilst BHS stores remain a relic of the British high street past, here at First Choice Lighting we continue to receive much of the original BHS clearance stock — meaning, that despite the lights going out on this once-loved high street faithful — its lighting quality and legacy continues to live on.
Keep up to date with our latest BHS lighting stock announcements by following First Choice Lighting on Facebook or Twitter.
