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| Photos and article by Paul Wright, 2025 |
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B & M store
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The Wilko store closed in Rushden on Thursday 28th September, 2023. Back in June 2017, the then East Northants Council bought the site in Eaton Walk, and it was described as a 'key strategic site' in the centre of Rushden. Mid October 2023, and the current owners North Northamptonshire Council, were having talks regarding the possible future of that building. Obviously things had moved on a pace, and in early 2025 we learn that B & M Bargains were to take over the building; March 8th, 2025 was the planned opening date. |
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B & M was founded in 1978, and is now one of the leading variety retailers in the UK.
Their first store was at the seaside in Blackpool, Lancashire. B & M has grown to over 700 plus stores, and has a large workforce of over 35,000 staff. They are spread throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and have a footfall of 4 million customers through the stores per week. Northamptonshire has numerous B & M stores, the nearest other one, being at Units 1-3 Whitworth Way, Victoria Park, Wellingborough. No doubt you have visited that site for your needs?
On my visit to the new Rushden store, which was in early February, there was the distinct aroma of fresh paint in the air. The window shutters were sporting a dashing blue colour, and the exterior was slowly taking shape. Meanwhile on the inside, there were three or four workmen going about their task. And the shop floor was clear apart from the orange cherry picker that was part of the on-going task. Thursday 13th February corporate signage, announcing the opening date, were now on display, and some units were on the shop floor. |
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Head offices are based at: Saturday arrived and the store opened at 8.00 GMT on 8th March 2025. We had enjoyed several days of early Spring weather, the sun was shining in a clear sky, and the temperature of 18C. This was ideal and large numbers of customers were enjoying the weather, awaiting the doors being opened for the first time, at 08.00 GMT. To check on the local weather for your event, go to our weather station at http://www.rushden-weather.co.uk/ |
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