B&M has officially confirmed that its transformation of the former Wilko store in Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre is well under way, with the highly anticipated new shop set to open its doors on Saturday, March 15.
The arrival of B&M at The Victoria Shopping Centre marks a major step in the ongoing regeneration of Southend’s retail landscape. The store will offer a comprehensive range of products, including homeware, food, pet supplies, toys, alcohol, paint, and tobacco, making it a one-stop shop for budget-conscious shoppers.
B&M moves in after Wilko’s closure
Wilko, a staple of Southend High Street for 28 years, closed in October 2023, leaving a significant gap in the shopping centre. However, in October 2024, B&M signed a lease agreement with Southend City Council, securing the ground-floor unit and ensuring the space would not remain vacant for long.
Southend City Council, which purchased The Victoria Shopping Centre for £10 million in December 2020, is actively working to revitalise the space. A council spokesperson stated:
“With excellent transport links, including nearby train and bus services, as well as ample parking, the new B&M store will be easily accessible for shoppers. Its wide range of products, including homeware, toys, pet supplies, and food, will enhance the city’s retail offering and attract visitors from across the region.”
A boost for Southend’s retail sector
Councillor Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Asset and Investments, welcomed B&M’s arrival, saying:
“This is fantastic news for Southend and reflects the progress we are making in revitalising The Victoria Shopping Centre. B&M’s arrival will bring new jobs, increase footfall, and support businesses in and around the centre.
“The Victoria Shopping Centre is at the heart of our regeneration plans for the city centre. B&M’s opening, alongside initiatives like The Bridge, which offers dynamic entrepreneurs a six-month rent-free period, highlights the potential of this space and our commitment to creating a vibrant, modern High Street for residents and visitors alike.”
B&M’s expansion is part of a broader trend of major retailers setting their sights on Southend’s shopping districts. Homeware giant Dunelm is planning to move into the former Primark unit in The Royals Shopping Centre, located at the opposite end of Southend High Street.
Local reaction to B&M’s arrival
Shoppers have shared mixed opinions on the new addition to the high street. Louise Lovegrove welcomed the news but suggested further changes, saying: “They need to move Home Bargains to the town as well! That would save trips to the Airport Retail Park.”
However, Paula Hutchins questioned the variety of retail options available: “Why more of the same? We already have two Poundlands, a Poundstretcher, The Range… Can they not think of something else instead of vape shops, mobile phone shops, or eateries?”
B&M’s national expansion continues
B&M is the UK’s leading discount variety retailer, with 741 stores nationwide and ambitious plans to open over 100 new stores within the next two years. In 2025 alone, B&M will open 45 stores in the UK and 11 in France, reinforcing its status as a dominant player in the retail market.
B&M CEO Alex Russo commented on the company’s success and strategy:
“Our strategy is clear – we are an everyday low-price discounter with a laser focus on maintaining excellence in retail standards while keeping our costs the lowest. This allows us to drive volumes by offering our best-selling products at exceptional value to every customer. Through this volume growth, and with our leading return-on-capital business model, we continue to generate profit and cash returns for our shareholders.”
Where to find the new B&M store
Address: Unit B7, Victoria Shopping Centre, Chartwell Square, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 5SP
B&M’s new Southend store promises to bring affordability, variety, and convenience to local shoppers while playing a vital role in the wider revitalisation of Southend’s retail scene.