BHS.com to launch clothing range in wake of brand's departure from high street

The new BHS.com is unveiling its first clothing range a month after the launch of the website following the April collapse of the high street staple.

The collection is starting with a "small number" of men's and women's items, but will be "significantly ramped up" later, and a children's range will launch on November 11, the company said.

The pieces include a £30 60s-style check shift dress and a £25 long jersey maxi skirt.

BHS buying director Sara Bradley said: "The collection is very tight but we will be adding collections regularly to expand the offer including children's character products and women's day to evening party wear in autumn/winter."

Selected best-selling items that the old BHS sold have also been continued through to the new business, including the "mix and match" tailoring range in womenswear with £32 jackets and £15 trousers and skirts.

The website has launched two Christmas ranges and kitchen and dining ranges since it opened for business at the end of last month with solely UK suppliers and 84 employees.

BHS, a staple of British shopping, went into administration in April and the company was wound down when a buyer could not be found.

BHS International, formed by the Al Mana Group, is behind the online relaunch, which also sells a range of lighting, bedroom and bathroom products.

The collapse of BHS affected 11,000 jobs, 22,000 pensions, and sparked a lengthy parliamentary inquiry.

Retail billionaire Sir Philip Green, who owned BHS for 15 years before selling it to serial bankrupt Dominic Chappell for £1 in 2015, has borne the brunt of the public fallout, with MPs unanimously recommending he is stripped of his knighthood.

He has come under fire for taking more than £400 million in dividends from the chain, leaving it with a £571 million pension deficit and for selling it to a man with no retail experience.

BHS International has stressed the online retailer has no links with Sir Philip or Mr Chappell.

All BHS high street stores had closed by the end of August.

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