Arcadia-owned department store chain Bhs has launched a three-day Sale on autumn stock just days after rival Debenhams marked the arrival of its autumn collection with an in-season Sale.

Bhs is offering discounts of up to 30% on selected lines, including trousers, shoes and sleepwear, and 20% discounts on tops, wedding dresses and knitwear. It is also offering discounts of 10% on furniture and 30% on lighting.

The Sale launched online on Wednesday (September 8) and will run until Friday but launched in stores today and will close on Saturday.

Debenhams launched its four-day sale on Tuesday, surprising the industry. It is offering discounts of up to 25% across the store, including on womanswear, accessories and menswear and on designer collections ahead of London Fashion Week. Stores will be open between 9am and 10pm and the introductory prices are also available in other countries, including Europe and the US, through Debenhams.com.

The retailer said the initiative aimed to attract cash-strapped customers who remain cautious about spending and uncertain about whether the country faces a double dip recession.