The exact date brand new B&M store will open its doors to customers in Southend

A new B&M store will be coming to an Essex shopping centre in the next two months, B&M has stated. Southend City Council said the new discount retailer will be opening in the Victoria Shopping Centre in the city in "early 2025" - and the exact opening date has now been confirmed.

The B&M store will be taking over the former Wilko's unit, which shut down after the company fell into administration in 2023. The council said it was a "significant development" following the completion of the lease agreement for the unit.

The council said it wants to "revitalise" the Victoria Shopping Centre and give the high street a boost, having acquired the centre in 2020. Its plans for the future hope to make it a "thriving" retail and community area.

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A council spokesman said: "With excellent transport links, including nearby train and bus services, as well as ample parking, the new B&M store will be easily accessible for shoppers. Its wide range of products, including homeware, toys, pet supplies, and food, will enhance the city’s retail offering and attract visitors from across the region."

Since the announcement of the store in December, residents are left wondering when the new store will be officially opening to customers. A spokesperson from B&M has confirmed that the brand new store will be opening on Saturday March 15 2025 and will be 27,109sqft.

The store manager from B&M said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store. We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome new customers through the door.”