B&M to shut down 49 stores during coronavirus crisis

B&M is temporarily closing 49 of its stores due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The discount retailer has 656 stores in the UK and has been forced to take dramatic measures amid the national emergency.

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Shops that are being closed are typically smaller outlets and ones located in shopping centres, the discounter said.

The retailer said 42 of the 49 stores that are due to shut are close to other larger B&M stores.

B&M said the decision came after a review of its trading operations during the coronavirus crisis.

Heron Foods, which is owned by B&M, is unaffected and all stores are open for business.

B&M decided to stay open after the Government ordered the closure of all non-essential shops last week so that it could provide customers with bargain food groceries and household items during the lockdown.

But now the retailer says it's reviewed its store structuring "in light of current trading conditions affecting those locations."

Staff at the affected stores have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

This will see up to 80 per cent of wages paid by the Government via a grant to employers.

The Government only want key workers to carry on with their jobs and urged the nation to stay at home.

Coronavirus has claimed 2,961 lives in the UK so far with the nation in lockdown and social distancing measures implemented.

B&M said: “We will review the trading patterns on an on-going basis and intend to re-open those stores as soon as normal shopping patterns resume.”

B&M told The Sun it couldn't provide a full list of temporary shop closures.

Shoppers who need to visit the retailer for essential products should use the to find contact information for their nearest shop so they can check if it's still open.

The discounter couldn't say when it expects all stores to reopen.

The remaining B&M branches will continue operating under usual hours during the coronavirus crisis.

The store closure announcement comes after B&;M revealed it was extending its 10 per cent staff discount to NHS workers to say thanks for all their hard work.

The store is prioritising food and toiletries over general merchandise to keep shelves stocked with the most essential products.

It has urged shoppers to observe social distancing measures while shopping.