A handful of BHS stores in the UK may re-open if Qatar-based Al Mana Group goes ahead with a reported plan to launch a small British operation.

The Qatari company bought the online and international operations of the beleaguered department store chain last month, for an undisclosed amount.

As part of the deal, Al Mana will run the 70 worldwide branches of BHS, as well as its website.

However, the last of more than 160 stores in the UK closed their doors yesterday over financial troubles.

Luxury leanings

Al Mana already owns the franchise rights to operate the Qatar-based stores, which are popular with residents particularly at sale times.

Now, the group is considering finding a franchise partner to run a small number of stores in the UK, The Guardian reported.

These branches would be more up-market, the newspaper added, citing an unnamed source close to Al Mana.

No one from the company however was available to comment.

Thoughts?