B&M announce opening date for store at The Mall in Blackburn

The launch of the new store will create 40 jobs for local people, once a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment programme is complete.

B&M says the store will officially open its doors at 8am on Saturday, March 23.

B&M is taking over the space left by Wilko at The Mall in Blackburn (Image: Archive)

Wilko’s Blackburn site closed at the start of October as its sites across the country ceased trading, and the near-16,000sqft unit was taken over by B&M.

Customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded groceries, including a range of food, drink and pet food.

There will also be a selection of quality health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, gifts, and more.

The new staff were asked to nominate a local charity they think deserves VIP treatment for the work it does in the local community, and they chose Blackburn Foodbank, which will take centre stage and unveil the new store.

The foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in a crisis.

The store manager from B&M said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.

The Mall, Blackburn (Image: Archive)

“Blackburn Foodbank really stood out for us, so we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work they have done.

"We hope our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.”

The other B&M site in Blackburn in Lower Audley Street remains closed following a fire last May.

The fire engulfed the store and took firefighters multiple days to tackle.

The closest store to the town centre between then and the opening of this new store has been at The Peel Centre in Whitebirk Drive.