B&M to close several stores in weeks – is your local affected?

B&M is set to close several stores next month in a blow to bargain hunters.

The discount retailer is closing two stores and relocating another in May.

B&M has announced that its Bishop Auckland branch will shut on Friday, May 5.

In a statement posted to its website, the chain said: "Unfortunately your B&M Bishop Auckland store at 4 Saddler Street will close on Friday, May 5 2023.

"We'd like to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this closure."

Shoppers will have to take a two-mile trip to go to B&M in Shildon which once the store in Bishop Auckland closes for good.

The retailer will then close and relocate its Widnes store later on in May.

A statement on the B&M website reads: "Your B&M Widnes store is moving from its current location at Bowers Retail Park to its new home at Widnes Trade Park (former The Range).";

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused while we bring you a bigger and better B&M store."

The old store in Widness will shut for good on Wednesday, May 17 and the new store will open its doors to customers on Wednesday, May 24.

B&M's Burnden Retail Park store in Bolton will also close for good on May 24.

Shoppers will still be able to visit the store on Manchester Road nearby.

But even though some stores are closing, B&M will be opening six new and expanded stores in the coming weeks.

It's great news for shoppers as we can reveal the exact dates the new shops are set to open their doors:

• Leven (expansion) - Saturday, April 29 - re-launch
• Armagh (expansion) - Friday, May 5 - re-launch
• Widnes - Wednesday, May 24
• Fforestfach (Swansea) - Friday, May 26
• Jarrow (major refit) - Saturday, May 27 - re-launch
• Fazakerley - Wednesday, May 31

In March, the chain opened a total of five shops, some after hefty refurbishments and some brand new.

B&M currently operates 667 stores across the UK.

You can find your closest B&M store by visiting the retailer's website and using the store locator tool.

What other B&M stores have closed?

B&M has shut down five of its branches already. Here's a look:

• Castlegate Shopping Centre, Stockton - Feb 25
• Maesglas Retail Park, Newport, Wales - March 4
• Boucher Road, Belfast - March 26
• Queens Drive Retail Park, Kilmarnock - March 26
• Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Bristol - March 29

How can I save money at B&M?

The B&M barcode scanner app allows you to discover discounted items before the staff have even reduced them.

The scanner is located on the B&M Stores mobile app, which can be downloaded 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 then bring up the camera on your smartphone, which you'll need to use to scan barcodes. 

When you've found a product you want to scan, 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.

This means they will have a certain amount slashed off the price shown on the label.

Shop for products at the end of the season for extra bargains.

And get 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.