British Home Stores (BHS) used to be the anchor of every UK high street. You went there for school uniforms, wedding hats, and a cup of tea in the cafeteria.
Then, it disappeared.
Well, not entirely. While the physical doors closed years ago, the brand quietly resurrected itself online. It pivoted. It stripped back the clutter and refocused on what it always did surprisingly well: Lighting.
If you are browsing for a statement chandelier or a bedside lamp, you have likely stumbled across their website. The prices look good—suspiciously good compared to designer brands. But is this the BHS you remember? Or is it just a badge slapped on a generic warehouse?
We have tracked the data, analyzed customer feedback, and looked at the product range to see if the “new” BHS is worth your money.
The Pivot: From Department Store to Lighting Specialist
Forget the clothing racks of the past. The modern BHS is 80% lighting, 20% homeware.
This focus shift was smart. Lighting is high-margin and easier to ship than wardrobes. But for you, the consumer, it means the curation is tighter. You aren’t wading through pages of irrelevant tat to find a lamp.
The “Designer Dupe” Strategy
BHS now occupies a specific niche: The “Look for Less.”
Scroll through their “Statement Lighting” section and you’ll spot designs that look remarkably similar to high-end brands like Pooky, John Lewis, or even designer Italian houses.
- The Difference: Instead of solid brass, you might get brass-effect plated steel. Instead of hand-blown crystal, it’s moulded glass.
- The Result: A chandelier that costs £150 instead of £850. From the ceiling, it’s hard to tell the difference.
What Should You Actually Buy?
We’ve analyzed the catalogue. Here is where the value lies (and where it doesn’t).
1. Statement Ceiling Lights (Buy)
This is their sweet spot. If you need a “wow” factor for a hallway or dining room but have a tight budget, BHS excels here. Their sputnik-style chandeliers and cascading crystal pendants are consistent bestsellers.
- Top Tip: Check the weight. Some of their larger fittings are heavy. Ensure your ceiling plasterboard can hold it, or get a joist fixing.
2. Table Lamps (Buy)
Great for renters. They often sell bases and shades separately, allowing for customization. The “velvet shade” range is particularly strong for adding texture to a neutral room.
3. Bedding and Textiles (Proceed with Caution)
While they stock high-thread-count sheets, the quality consistency varies more than the lighting. Read the material composition carefully. “Cotton rich” means a blend. If you want luxury, filter strictly for “100% Egyptian Cotton.”
The “Online Only” Reality: Delivery and Returns
This is the friction point. Without physical stores, you are at the mercy of couriers.
Shipping Speed: Standard delivery is generally reliable, typically 3-5 working days. Next-day options exist but cut-off times are strict.
The Returns Headache: This is the most common complaint in customer reviews. Returning a small jumper is easy. Returning a fragile, 5kg glass chandelier is a logistical pain.
- The Risk: If you change your mind, return postage costs can sometimes fall on you depending on the promotion.
- The Fix: Measure your drop height before you order. Do not guess. A light that looks normal in a warehouse photo can look massive in a small Victorian living room.
How to Maximize Savings
Our data indicates that the average user saves around £11 per order, but you can double that if you play the game right.
1. The Newsletter Welcome
It is the oldest trick in the book, but it works. BHS almost always runs a “New Customer” incentive.
- Action: Sign up before you browse. You typically get a unique code for 10% to 15% off your first full-priced order.
2. Sales Cycles
BHS is aggressive with seasonal pricing. They are active with sales approximately 53% of the year.
- Black Friday (Nov): The big one. Expect sitewide drops.
- Spring Refresh (March/April): They often discount lighting heavily when the clocks change, capitalizing on people noticing how dusty their rooms look in the sunlight.
- Blue Cross Sale: A holdover from their high street days. These clearance events offer the steepest discounts (up to 70%) but stock is limited.
3. Basket Abandonment
Create an account, add that lamp to your basket, and then… close the tab. Wait 24 hours. Automated email systems often trigger a “Did you forget this?” email with a small sweetener discount code to nudge you over the line.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aesthetics: High-end looks for high-street prices. Excellent for trend-led pieces. | Quality Control: Finishes (like gold plating) can sometimes vary between batches. |
| Variety: One of the largest online catalogues for domestic lighting in the UK. | Returns: cumbersome for large, fragile items compared to dropping them in-store. |
| Sales Frequency: You rarely have to pay full RRP if you are patient. | Availability: Popular items often go on “Pre-Order” with weeks-long wait times. |
Expert Verdict
Is BHS back? Sort of.
If you are looking for the old department store experience, you will be disappointed. But if you view them strictly as a lighting specialist, they are a strong contender.
They fill the gap between IKEA (too ubiquitous) and specialized lighting showrooms (too expensive).
Our Advice: Stick to the lighting. Measure your ceiling height twice. Wait for a sale. If you do that, you’ll get a piece that looks three times the price you paid.