LOYAL customers of BHS said they would miss the department store as its Poole branch traded for the last time this weekend.

The shop, which has been a major tenant in the Dolphin Shopping Centre for 16 years, commanding a significant area of retail space, closed its doors with the loss of around 45 jobs.

BHS branches had been expected to trade until the end of summer, but closures have already been taking place across the country.

There was heavy footfall at the Poole store during its closing down sale on Saturday as people scoured the shelves and rails for a bargain.

However, many shoppers, some who have been customers of BHS for decades, expressed sadness at the store’s closing.

Margaret Smith, from Poole, said she would “miss it a lot”.

“I’m very sad it’s going. I’ll miss going upstairs for a cup of tea, shopping for clothes and lingerie and also buying things for my grandchildren.

“I’ve been a shopper here for 40 years. I’ve always thought the clothes were nice – they even did suits at one time. The homeware was a great thing, and the lights, bedding, and towels were all very good.”

Anne and Arthur Giles, both in their 70s and from Poole, said they had shopped at BHS for over 20 years.

“It was a nice store to browse through. Things were never expensive. We’re sad it’s going,” Anne said.

“It’s a shame what happens to stores like these. I remember when C&A was here too. That was a landmark store which shut down.”

Other customers remarked how they had “grown up” with BHS and commented staff at the Poole store were “charming” and “helpful”.

Taylor Marshall, who has been a member of staff at Poole BHS for just over a year, said she was “really sad” the store was closing down.

“It’s been here for as long as I can remember. I’ll especially miss all the Christmas stuff.

“Every customer I’ve spoken to has told me they are really sad it’s closing. They’ve also wished me good luck, which is really nice.”

Nearly 30 other British Home Stores also closed on Saturday. The store at Bournemouth’s Mallard Road Retail Park has not yet received a closure date, but all stores are to be closed by August 20.

Administrator Duff & Phelps has been unable to find a buyer for the business as a going concern and will look to sell the stores piecemeal.