Ever wondered what B&M stands for? This is the story behind the bargain shop’s name
The discount retailer, which sells a wide variety of household items at knocked down prices, was founded in 1978 by Malcolm Billington, and the first store opened in Cleveleys, Lancashire
B&M is renowned as a high street hotspot when it comes to bagging a bargain - but ever wondered how it got its name?
The discount retailer, which sells a wide variety of household items at knock-down prices, was founded way back in 1978.
It was initially known as Billington & Mayman - a name which derived from the man behind the business, Malcolm Billington - but was shortened to B&M, short for Bargain Madness.
The first store opened that same year in Cleveleys, Lancashire, and Malcolm remained company director until October 1996.
In December 2004, the retailer was bought by Simon and Bobby Arora from Phildrew Investments, at which point B&M's mini empire had expanded to 21 stores.
In the following two years it continued to go from strength to strength, with the business taking on the GlynWebb chain of DIY stores, and converting them into the popular B&M Homestore format.
It also acquired several former Kwik Save, Woolworths and Au-Naturale (remember that?) stores, and opened its 300th branch in 2012.
By 2015, the number of B&M stores hit 450, and last year it celebrated the opening of its 500th.
Currently there are over 540 high street and out of town stores across the UK, which see an average of three million customer transactions each week.
NO MEAN FEET These 8 pairs of high street shoes are a fraction of the price of the designer versions… so can YOU tell the difference?
The Group also owns JA Woll in Germany - an 80-strong store discount chain of variety goods - and its Heron Foods business operates over 250 discount convenience stores in England and Wales.
B&M is also known as B&M Bargains and the larger B&M Homestore.
Last week we told how B&M is selling their own version of the Beauty And The Beast Chip cup… and it’s £1 cheaper than the Primark one.
For those gearing up for the festive season, the store is also flogging kids’ Christmas elf and reindeer onesies for just £8.99 each.
Latest B&M bargains
