B&M look set to open in former Bexleyheath Wilko
The former Wilko in Bexleyheath town centre looks set to become B&M after lying empty for months.
The site on the eastern end of the town centre has seen the substantial unit sit empty since Wilko collapsed last year, and now B&M have submitted a premises license to Bexley Council.
B&M have seen major expansion in recent years taking hold of part of the market Wilko has left abandoned.
It’ll be discount shop wars in the area given Poundstretcher sits next door and Poundland two doors down.
Not that they’re all identical of course. Poundstretcher is great for unusual stock. Middle eastern hot Heinz ketchup for 50p? Don’t mind if I do.
Poundland of course is a perennial favourite – even if most things no longer cost a quid.
B&M have, for example, a decent booze range with some unusual stuff. In the recent past trips have produced decent American craft beer and some unusual Efes from Turkey.
B&M expansion
It’s not too long since a new B&M opened in Thamesmead.
And not too long before that since they rocked up in Kidbrooke.
The company bought 51 former Wilko stores last year while making £222m profit as part of a planned expansion to 1,200 shops.
It’s at the point whereby if a town doesn’t have a B&M, it’s a sign something is wrong.
I am looking forward to B&M opening on the site of the old Wilko store in Bexleyheath.
I wish a new retailer could be found to take over the old Wilko Store in Charlton.
Bringing these stores back in to use. Rather than being left empty and unused for months or years on end.