• Product ranges will have a greater focus on its international customer base
• Expansion into new countries planned
• New state-of-the-art store openings

BHS, the iconic retail British brand, has announced plans to grow its international business.  This will involve launching in new countries, and plans to open new state-of-the-art department stores, starting in Qatar.

A BHS store has been in Malta since 1988.

All ranges will continue to be designed in London, but there will be a greater focus on providing its franchise partners with products more tailored to the international customer.  The style, value and quality synonymous with the brand will underpin the product range.  BHS International has strengthened relations with a significant number of its traditional supplier base to support that offer.

BHS has a successful and profitable international business, operating franchise partnerships around the world.  The first international franchise store opened in 1985, and when Al Mana purchased the business in June 2016, there were 73 stores in 18 countries under the control of 14 Franchise Partners.   

David Anderson, Managing Director, BHS International said: "Our international business has been operating since 1985 and it has enjoyed strong growth in recent years.  Under the new owners, we have ambitious plans to accelerate this growth, and working closely with existing and new franchise partners we are confident we can do this; since the new International business was formed in June, we have secured agreements with new partners in new territories, and are in discussions with many others.