B&M is accelerating its expansion across the UK with a fresh wave of openings this month, pushing ahead with its store rollout despite a challenging trading backdrop and a string of profit warnings.
The discount chain has been rapidly adding new sites in recent weeks, with branches already launched in Sunderland, Aylesbury, Taunton, Middlesbrough, Peterhead and Diss.
Ten stores have opened in quick succession, and the retailer isn’t finished yet.
Four more superstores will join the estate before the end of March as B&M continues to grow its footprint across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The first of the new launches will open on Main Street in Strabane, County Tyrone, on March 20, followed by a branch at North Road Retail Park in Fort William on March 21.
A store on Sturlas Way in Waltham Cross will open on March 27, with the final launch at The Broadway in Plymstock, Plymouth, on March 28.
The expansion comes as B&M navigates a tougher trading environment.
Last month, the retailer issued another profit warning after reporting weaker revenues and heavier discounting.
Ten stores have opened in quick succession
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UK like‑for‑like sales fell 0.6 per cent during the key trading period to December 27, although December itself saw a three per cent rise that continued into January.
Full‑year profit expectations have now been cut for the third time since October, with the company forecasting between £440million and £475million — down from previous guidance of £470million to £520million and well below the £620million reported for the year ending March 2025.
B&M said the downgrade reflects continued investment in pricing, clearance of older stock and efforts to improve product quality.
The performance of convenience chain Heron Foods also weighed on results, with sales down 0.1 per cent in the most recent quarter.
The retailer is pressing ahead with its “Back to B&M Basics” strategy
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“The downward movement in range is driven by ongoing investments in pricing and clearance, improvements in stock quality, and the financial underperformance of Heron Foods,” the company said.
The retailer is pressing ahead with its “Back to B&M Basics” strategy, introduced in October, which focuses on reinforcing its value positioning through price reductions and simpler operations.
As part of the plan, B&M has significantly reduced the number of products in stores to streamline its offer.
Chief executive Tjeerd Jegen said the business is continuing to refine its range.
“As we progress ‘Back to B&M Basics’, we are identifying opportunities to make deeper investments in clearing discontinued lines,” he said, adding that while the changes support the long‑term strategy, they have weighed on short‑term profits.
