Discount retail giant B&M has announced four new megastores are set to open across the UK next month as part of its continued nationwide expansion.

The bargain chain has thrived while many high street rivals struggle. B&M will launch new stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland within the next few weeks. The openings come amid strong financial performance, with B&M – which also owns the UK and France operations and the Heron Foods chain – reporting revenues up 2.5% to £5.6 billion in 2024.

The first of the new stores will open in Diss, Norfolk, on Saturday, February 28. Three further openings will follow in quick succession next month.

A store in Strabane, County Tyrone, is set to open on Friday, March 20. Just a day later, on Saturday, March 21, another branch will launch in Fort William, Inverness-shire.

The final opening, expected to be the largest of the four and featuring a garden centre, is scheduled for Friday, March 27.

The expansion means more shoppers will be able to access B&M’s discounted ranges, spanning everything from make-up and homeware to garden products and seasonal items such as Easter chocolate.

*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***

The openings follow recent moves by the retailer to roll out further in-store discounts in a bid to boost profits. Earlier this year it was reported that more than 35% of selected product lines had their prices cut, with reductions averaging 1.8%.

Founded in 1978, B&M has grown into one of Britain’s best-known value retailers, operating hundreds of stores across the UK.

The chain is known for its warehouse-style outlets offering low-cost homeware, furniture, food and drink, toys, electricals, DIY products and seasonal goods. Its out-of-town “megastores” often feature large floor spaces and, in some locations, garden centres.

A popular cafe and B&B has announced it has been forced to close for good after only a couple of years, as they “couldn’t keep up with rising costs“. Cafe Neuk, located within the grounds of Arduthie House, a six-bedroom bed and breakfast in the Aberdeenshire town of Stonehaven, confirmed on social media that they will be closing the shop permanently within weeks, and that the B&B part of the business will eventually close after being sold.

In the announcement, Caitlin and Craig Turrif, who took the tearooms in 2024 and the B&B the following year, blamed pressures faced across the hospitality sector and offered a touching tribute to their customers and community. “We are absolutely heartbroken to share that Cafe Neuk’s last day will be on February 22.

“This was the hardest decision to make as it really has been our happy place – and hopefully yours – since we opened the cafe in 2024 and the B&B in 2025.

“Sadly, with each passing month, the pressure of the hospitality industry and small businesses keeps getting heavier on every front.

“Hospitality UK have been advocating for changes such as a VAT scheme that is fairer on the hospitality industry… I sincerely hope that some changes are made so that other businesses can keep going.

“Sadly, We just couldn’t keep up with the rising costs while our footfall kept going down.”

Cafe Neuk said they are “truly so sorry” for the closure and “wish that we would be here serving you coffees until we were old and grey”,” Aberdeen Live reports.

“We couldn’t have asked for lovelier customers than you all, you have brought our cafe to life each day with your chatter and laughter,” they added.

“I have had more ‘pinch me’ moments than I can count. Every time everyone joins in to sing happy birthday as we bring out a candle on an afternoon tea stand (or mini burgers…or pancakes!) to hosting your friends and family for special occasions like baby showers, hen do’s and milestone birthdays.

“When new customers enjoy their first visit or when you welcome back those of you who don’t need a menu (you know who you are!)

“I could go on forever. Thank you for being part of the Cafe Neuk journey, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The post added that former Arduthie House owners Rod and Lesley would be running the B&B until the property is sold.

DIY chain Homebase has closed eight stores already in March, with three shutting their doors today. The company is offering clearance sales of up to 90% off at all affected locations as part of its closing-down events.

Homebase was forced to call in administrators last November, citing weaker consumer confidence and spending following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis as reasons for significant losses. A deal was later struck with retail group CDS for the sale of up to 70 stores, securing approximately 1,600 jobs.

On Friday, it was announced that Wickes had acquired the leases of four former Homebase units following the chain’s collapse late last year. The home improvement retailer confirmed that the stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, and Leeds Moor Allerton will reopen later this year, with all 55 employees retaining their jobs.

A number have closed over the last weekend – with three shutting this morning.

• Farnham, Guildford Road (Closed March 1)
• Truro, Treliske Industrial Estate, Oak Lane (Closed March 1)
• Basingstoke, Winchester Road (Closed March 1 – will reopen as B&Q)
• Bracknell, Wokingham Road (Closed March 2)
• Letterkenny, Neil T Blaney Road (Closed March 2 – will reopen as B&Q)
• Bury St Edmunds, Moreton Hall Estate (Closing March 3 – will reopen as Wickes)
• Dunfermline, Halbeath Retail Park (Closing March 3 – will reopen as Wickes)
• Leeds, Moor Allerton Centre (Closing March 3 – will reopen as Wickes)

CDS, which owns The Range outlets and also purchased parts of high street retailer Wilko after its collapse in 2023, left the future of 49 UK stores uncertain while administrators sought a buyer.

B&Q, the home improvement giant with over 300 stores across the UK and Ireland, is set to expand its empire by taking over five new sites, pending landlord approvals. The stores in question are located in Altrincham, Greater Manchester; Basingstoke, Hampshire; Biggleswade, Bedfordshire; Leamington Spa, Warwickshire; and Worcester, Worcestershire

B&Q, part of the Kingfisher group, plans to rebrand these locations in the spring and aims to complete refurbishments by year’s end. Employees at these sites will join the BandQ team once leases are exchanged.

Graham Bell, the Chief Executive of B&Q, speaking after the announcement in January, ollowing the acquisition of three Irish stores for around £3.2 million said: “We’re determined to give home improvers the choice and convenience they deserve, and to transform the home improvement stores in these locations to fulfil that need.

“We look forward to swiftly concluding these purchases and converting the stores to the BandQ brand and offer, and to welcoming our new customers to the stores and new colleagues to the B&Q family.”