STORE manager Anne Derlezka has entered the countdown period to the opening of the new Oxford city centre British Home Stores (Bhs).

The new department store in Queen Street will employ 200 people on a sales floor area of about 33,000 sq ft when it opens on October 22.

Anne joined Bhs 20 years ago and has worked for the company throughout the UK, most recently as store manager of Bhs in Cheltenham.

She said: "The next couple of months will be hectic as we try to get everything ready for the opening.

"But it will be great fun seeing the store come together and I'm really looking forward to getting to know the customers and the area."

The building has been completely rebuilt inside but it still retains its early 20th Century front.

It is built on the site of former Oxford city offices and a collection of shops that used to include a Bhs lighting store.

The opening of the new department store will bring the total number of UK Bhs stores to 149. The company also owns 72 overseas franchises.

Bhs, part of Storehouse plc that also owns Mothercare and Childrens World, offers ranges including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, lingerie, fashion accessories, home fashions, as well as providing coffee houses, sandwich stores and restaurants in selected stores.

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