B&M Bargains to open in former B&Q site in Derbyshire

DISCOUNT retailer B&M Bargains has confirmed that it will be opening a new store in Derbyshire which will create 50 jobs.

The company has announced that it will be opening a store in Somercotes. The new outlet will be opening up in premises formerly occupied by DIY retailer B&Q.

A full internal and external refurbishment programme is currently being undertaken by developers, which will be completed in time for the store's opening on Saturday, December 5.

Gaynor Bolton, who will be the manager of the new store, said: "We are really proud to be creating 50 jobs across Somercotes this year and playing our part in the local community. We are excited to get the doors open, providing great value products and world class service to customers across the whole town.

"Customers can expect a wide variety of branded and own-label products from its convenient location in Nottingham Road including groceries and toiletries as well as an extensive non-food section including toys, home, furniture and seasonal ranges."

B&M, which was founded in Blackpool, has flourished over the last few years by meeting the demands of price-conscious consumer.

Established in 1978, the firm, which is now based in Liverpool, has around 450 high-street and out-of-town stores across the UK – including three in Derby.

It opened its first Derby outlet, in Ascot Drive, in 2008 and the second followed at the Meteor Centre retail park, in Mansfield Road, a year ago. The Meteor Centre is also home to rival discount store chain The Range. In May, the firm opened its third store in Stenson Road, in a building formerly occupied by the Co-op.

There was speculation that B&M could be poised to open a fourth Derby store – at another former B&Q premises.

In September, the Derby Telegraph reported that B&M was advertising vacancies online for a proposed Spondon store. Local councillors said they were informed in the summer that the outlet would open in premises formerly occupied by B&Q, in Megaloughton Lane, which closed on September 19 with the loss of 40 jobs.

The firm has now told the Derby Telegraph that the Somercotes outlet is its last confirmed B&M store opening of the year. It is now not certain whether B&M will pursue its interest in the site next year.

In the meantime, B&M has launched a recruitment drive to fill the positions at its Somercotes store.

Source : Robin Johnston - Derby Telegraph
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Discount-retailer-create-50-jobs-new-outlet/story-28107701-detail/story.html