B&M store boom after collapse of rival Wilko

B&M yesterday increased its intended total of stores from 950 to more than 1,200 after the collapse of Wilko - and raised its full-year profit target.

- Graham Hiscott

The budget homewares chain began with one unit in Blackpool in 1978 but currently has 712 branches.

In the six months to late September, 13 sites were opened and bosses plan to add at least 125 over three years.

B&M agreed to buy up to 51 ex-Wilko stores and chief executive Alex Russo called that a "significant step which underpins our opening programme".