Sir Philip Green plans to merge Bhs into Arcadia as he seeks to streamline his retail empire and cut costs.
Green plans to operate Bhs as if it is one of Arcadia’s brands, such as Topshop and Dorothy Perkins. The two businesses have been run as separate businesses up until now.
Some of Arcadia’s larger stores may be redesigned to become a ‘house of brands’ where a number of Arcadia brands would be under one roof. This could lead to the closure of smaller branches.
The plan is expected to be finalised in the coming months although the changes could take up to two years to implement.
Green bought Bhs in 2000 from Storehouse.
He bought Arcadia, which also owns the Evans, Wallis and Topman chains, in 2002.
annabel.dixon@rbi.co.uk
