Housewares stockist and one of the UK’s oldest department stores, Beales is in talks with two undisclosed potential buyers to save it from administration. Its 22 stores date back to 1881. Tony Brown, Beales’ chief executive and owner has cited high business rates as a contributing factor to the chain’s struggles, as well as the challenging trading environment.
Consumer reaction was mixed in Bournemouth – the town where John Elmes Beale founded the original Beales store. The Bournemouth Echo says it received nearly 400 reader comments on its Facebook page after the news that Beales might go into administration. Some express their sadness at the potential loss, while others admit that their shopping habits have moved online or think that the department store needs to modernise. Other consumers point out that parking issues should be addressed by the local council to encourage more people to shop in Bournemouth.
Top: Beales’ Hexham store pictured before its closure last year (and site’s subsequent reopening centred around outlets).
