High street shops braced for price war by ‘new Woolworths’ who slashes prices by up to 90%
B&M have seen a 23% increase in revenue with annual sales of £2 billion but rely only on social media to attract the attention of the nation’s bargain hunters
HIGH street shops up and down the country are preparing themselves for a price war sparked by a competitor who reduces its prices by up to 90%.
B&M, who have been dubbed the new Woolworths because of their pick ‘n mix selection, have been doing a roaring trade of late with a 23% increase in revenue.
The company have undertaken a massive expansion in stores and relies on social media to entice Brits in search of a bargain.
It was once a struggling chain based in the north of England but is now one of the country’s most prosperous retailers with annual sales of £2 billion.
Industry experts have said that they expect the chain to keep its rivals – particularly big supermarkets – on their toes.
RELATED STORIES
Thomas Slide, of retail analysts Mintel, told the : “Research shows 85% of consumers visit stores like B&M because they like a bargain.”
The firm, whose bright orange and blue stores attract nearly three million shoppers a week, bulk-buys direct from factories and sells everything from food and toiletries to gardening tools and toys.
The firm originally opened in Blackpool as Billington and Mayman in 1978 but went on to run over 20 shops across Lancashire and Manchester.
However, it was making a loss in later years until the Arora family bought it in 2004 and made changes.
After turning the failing company around they sold it for nearly £1 billion in 2012 but brothers .
Since then it has expanded to over 500 stores in the UK and Germany with shops opening in Sunderland and Cardigan just last week.
The Arora brothers, from Sale in Manchester, are one of the richest families in the UK and were .
Price comparison
Flora spread 500g
B&M = £1, Tesco = £1.50, Morrisons = £1
Heinz salad cream original 425g
B&M = £1, Morrisons = £1.50, Poundland = £1
Mcvities chocolate digestives 500g
B&M = £1.49, Tesco = £1.50, Asda = £2
Bodyform Ultra Normal with wings sanitary towels - 12k
B&M = 89p, Tesco = £1.50, Superdrug = £1.79
Nestle Shreddies 500g
B&M = £1.39, Morrisons = £1, Iceland = £2.39
Comfort Tropical Burst 1.5L
B&M = £2.49, Tesco = £3.00, Asda = £2.98
Typhoo one cup 100 tea bags 200g
B&M = 99p, Tesco = £1
Colgate Cavity protection toothpaste 75ml
B&M = 69p, Tesco = 80p, Morrisons = 93p
Nivea Suncream SPF 30 200ml
B&M = £3.99, Tesco = £8.50, Asda = £6
Fairy Original Washing Up Liquid 780ml
B&M= £1.49, Tesco = £2, Morrisons = £2
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368