Tuesday 31 May 2016 5:05 pm

Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold: BHS no longer had a place on the high street

The chief executive of Ann Summers has given a damning verdict on BHS, suggesting its inability to adapt to changing demands may have brought about its downfall.

In an interview for the City A.M. Unregulated podcast, Jacqueline Gold said BHS' demise "shows that as a retailer we've got to be forward thinking.

"We've got to take into account what the next generation wants from retailing: they want to be able to shop 24/7, they want that interactive experience. Unless you're able to change within your brand, you're going to die, you're going to fall by the wayside.

"I fear that's partly what happened with BHS," she added.

"I think it no longer had a place on the high street."

Gold's comments came as two inquiries aimed at working out exactly went on during the months in the run-up to BHS' collapse continued.

Last week Frank Field, chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said the two inquiries had unearthed more questions than answers.

Gold, an outspoken pro-Remain campaigner, also discussed her views on the EU, branding the campaigns "complex" and "confusing".

"I think it's very difficult for the public because they are complex issues. I think even for business people it's complex," she said.

"My view is, put the economy first, because if you have a strong economy, we can then pay for the services and all the other things that we so need in our country."