B&M issues update on future of up to 51 ex-Wilko stores after £3million deal – check when your local is reopening
B&M has issued an update on the future of up to 51 ex-Wilko stores.
The retailer bought the stores from its troubled rival in a £3million deal earlier in the year.
In its interim results published on November 9, B&M confirmed plans to open “not less than 125 stores” over the next three years.
This is to include the 51 ex-Wilko sites acquired in September when Wilko fell into administration.
It said that the ex-Wilko stores will be converted steadily over the next 12 months and in many instances will “take the B&M offer to more consumers in more parts of the country”.
However, it declined to share any of the locations when contacted by The Sun.
Alex Russo, B&M’s chief executive, said: The agreement to acquire up to 51 ex-Wilko stores is a significant step which underpins our opening programme.
“Over the next three years we expect to open not less than 125 new B&M stores in the UK, adding up to 20% to our sales area.”
The retailer said it expects to open 35 stores in the current financial year and not less than 45 stores in each of the next two financial years.
B&M was one of many who stepped in when high street favourite Wilko fell into administration in August this year.
Poundland owners Pepco bought up 71 locations and have now opened up all the locations under their brand name.
The first 10 opened on September 30 while a further 10 pulled up their shutters for the first time on October 1.
Ten more welcomed in shoppers on October 7.
The Range also snapped up the Wilko name and website as part of a £5million deal.
The website was re-launched when the last remaining Wilko stores closed down in October – and stores will reopen too.
How can I save money at B&M?
Even with its already low prices, there are ways you can save even more at B&M.
The B&M barcode scanner app allows you to discover discounted items before the staff have even reduced them.
You can access the scanner by downloading the B&M Stores mobile app for free on your smartphone.
Shoppers can download it on the App Store or Google Play.
Once you’ve got the app, click on the “scan” button at the bottom of your homepage.
This will bring up the camera on your smartphone, which you’ll need to use to scan barcodes.
All you need to do when you have found a product you want to scan is simply point your smartphone camera toward its barcode.
The app will then automatically bring up the item’s price – this is when you’ll know if it is reduced or not.
Bargain hunters say some items come up as £1, 50p or even 10p through the app.
Shoppers should also keep an eye out for products with a white reduction sticker on.
If you are a regular in your local store it is also worth getting friendly with staff too.
They’ll be able to tell you when the sales will hit, or if there are bargains out the back – so you get the best bits.