Bargain retailer B&M is renowned across Liverpool for its budget products and ‘must have’ deals.
We’ve all made the trip for “just one thing” and left the store with bags packed with things we just couldn’t resist.
Since a new B&M store opened in Liverpool city centre last weekend and it still may be a while before some people get the chance to visit, we took a trip down to see what it was like.
The retailer is known for its bargain prices, I took along £20 to see what I could get my hands on - and the results were surprising.
What’s the store like?
The new store is a sight for sore eyes for those of us who’ve spent months awaiting its arrival.
The retailer has moved into the space previously occupied by Clas Ohlson in Clayton Square, which closed back in 2019. And the new store couldn’t look more different.
The whole upstairs section that was popular in Clas Ohlson has been completely closed off, while a range of narrow aisles have been positioned throughout the main floor.
What can you buy?
The new store has just about everything you can think of, including fresh food and toiletries to garden furniture and children’s toys.
The store has a large mix of food and drink, toys, DIY and garden items, homeware, pet food and baby essentials. There's also 'manager's specials' and seasonal items, which currently includes a large range of picnic items.
I even spotted an official Sony PS5 controller on the shelves.
What did £20 get me?
With no shopping list in hand, my trip to B&M was a tad unorganised - but it did give me the chance to explore the whole shop.
Since I didn’t need to pick up any food shopping, I had the opportunity to pick up some bits and bobs for Mother’s Day, some treats for my nieces and nephews and one or two for myself too.
Here’s what I got:
- Paint Your Own Bunny Family, £4
- Ochre Mug, £2.50
- MaxFactor Miracle Cheek Duo, £2.99
- Gel Effect Nail set, £1.49
- Scones, £1
- Head Basketball, £5
- Cadbury Mini Eggs Nest Cakes, £2
- Movie Mix Sweet Bag 600g, £1.99
- Mr Kipling After Dinner Chocolate & Orange Fancies, £1.49
- Mrs Crimble 6pk Macaroons, £1
Okay, I’ll admit I did go slightly over budget since my bill came to £23.46, but each of the items were just too good to resist.
What’s the verdict?
The shop is certainly a treat to visit during lockdown, having been so used to only visiting supermarkets.
However, since I’m not used to having a B&M store so close to home, I didn’t think ahead about how I’d have to carry all my shopping bags home. This is definitely worth planning in advance if you’re making the trip.
However, the store is close to St Johns Shopping Centre, which has a large car park, as well as good bus links and a taxi rank on Great Charlotte Street.
I hadn't expected to be able to buy such a range of products, particularly when it comes to the makeup and beauty items. The children's toys were a bonus too, especially with Easter coming up.
B&M sells items classed as 'essential shopping', such as food and medicine, so the retailer is allowed to keep stores open during lockdown.
Unfortunately for some, lockdown means fewer people than usual are currently heading into town,
With the 'stay at home' rule still in place fewer people than usual are currently heading into town, meaning it's likely to be a few more weeks until some shoppers are able to make the journey into the city centre and visit the new B&M store.
You can take a look inside the new store here .
