London landmarks were illuminated with giant flags bearing the slogan #SaveBHS in a guerrilla campaign to help find a saviour for the collapsed retailer.
Marble Arch, Wellington Arch and the department store chain’s HQ in Marylebone were lit up last night to draw attention to the plight of its 11,000 staff.
Passers-by paused to take photographs of the 60ft-tall projections and voiced their support for the 88-year-old company.
Looking up at the image emblazoned across the Marylebone offices, TV producer Corinna Gallop, 51, said: “I’m really glad something like this is happening and I hope it takes off. If ever there was a time for a campaign like this it’s now and I hope something comes of it.
“My kids’ school uniforms came from BHS. They will leave a hole in the high street.”
Retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, who sold BHS to investors for £1 in 2015, has come under fire after it fell into administration last month with a £571 million pension blackhole.
The Pensions Regulator is investigating and administrators are attempting to find a buyer while 164 stores and 11,000 jobs hang in the balance.
Campaigners are urging shoppers to show their support by posting messages on social media using the hashtag #SaveBHS.
Stephen Hill, 31, commercial manager at the Croydon store, said: “Most people have been here 15 to 20 years and everyone is proud that they are part of the great British high street.
“We’re all getting on with our jobs as you would expect. It is hard seeing everything that has been written about us but we’re determined to show the best of what we do.”
Darren Topp, the chief executive of BHS, told the Standard: ““The #saveBHS campaign was the idea of staff. They are really keen that we sell the business whole and keep everybody’s jobs.
"In a dark time for everybody this is a statement on behalf of the employees. We have our fingers crossed that a buyer will turn up.”
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