Yesterday, B&M confirmed its transformation of the former Wilko in the Victoria Shopping Centre is set to get under way and the new shop will have a grand opening on Saturday, March 15.
The budget retailer confirmed in October it had signed a deal with Southend Council – which owns the shopping centre – to take over the empty space on the ground floor.
Wilko closed in October 2023 in a huge blow for the shopping centre after 28 years trading from the High Street.
New home – Wilko is being turned into a new B&M (Image: Newsquest)
It comes days after it was revealed that Dunelm is hoping to take over the former Primark shop in the Royals Shopping Centre, at the opposite end of Southend High Street.
Ronnie Mills, 21, said: “The Wilko was nice and it will be good to see something in that space again.
“It’s not nice to have empty stores so anything that will help fix that will be good.
“It will definitely be a good thing.”
B&M currently operates a shop on the Airport Retail Park, in Rochford, and shoppers are keen to see its discounted prices move to the city centre.
Katie Chillmaid, 22, said: “I don’t drive so I can currently only go if someone is helping me get there. It’s going to be very convenient for me.
“I am very excited for it to come because public transport comes straight here which will make it very easy for me. I’ll be visiting when it opens for sure.”
Shoppers – Ronnie and Katie (Image: Newsquest)
It is the latest boost for the shopping centre after seven new shops opened in the lead up to Christmas following The Bridge competition which saw free rent up for grabs.
Phillip Yexley, 56, said: I was part of the original Wilko store team when it opened here and only retired when it went into administration. It will be good to see something back in the shop as it’s just been sitting empty – I’m pleased to hear there’s now an opening date.
“It will be very useful to the people who can’t currently get to the one by the airport. It will make things more convenient and easier.”
Jane Stanley, 44, added: “Everyone I know really likes B&M so I imagine it will be very well received and used.
“I’m looking forward to it opening.”