Who doesn’t love a trip to B&M? For many of us the bargain store, which has branches in and around Newcastle and throughout the North East, is a regular port of call for everything from kitchen staples to garden ornaments.
While it’s famous for its cut-price deals, it’s not uncommon to find you’ve managed to spend quite a chunk of money in there given that you’ve popped it for one thing and came out with countless others you hadn’t realised you needed.
By now, customers reckon they know pretty much all there is to know about the chain - whether it’s the cost of the soap-powder or what was in the range of festive goodies that was snapped up at Christmas - but we’re about to make your think again.
Here is our list of lesser-known facts about B&M - insider secrets if you like - which will tell you just about everything there is to know about the store.
And they include best-kept secrets and a few tricks which could well pay off for you on your next shopping trip.
If you have any tips of your own - and you want to keep them squirrelled away - then do share them with us.
1. You’ll find huge brands in store
Ok. Many of you know that a cheap shop doesn’t necessarily mean cheap makes. But do you know the range of the big brands represented? There are jars of Nutella, for instance, as well as Kellogg’s, Cadbury’s and Nescafe. Or how about a Victoria’s Secret spray? You can smell divine as you chomp on your chocolate spread on Valentine’s Day.
2. There are limited edition ranges
These work in a similar way to Aldi’s. B&M also offers a number of ranges which are available for a limited time only and what is in these ranges can vary from month to month so be on the ball and keep an eye out for the special offers.
3. And clothing
Yup, besides the likes of food and homeware, the retailer sells clothing. The range includes pyjamas for both men and women.
4. You can even buy gym wear
This isn’t always available but catching on to the New Year, New You idea as many people resolve to get fit - if only in the first few weeks of the year anyway - the store has released a range of gym gear. It’s worth remembering that it often releases seasonal collections or clothing for upcoming events.
5. Pick and Mix
Everybody, of a certain age that is, missed Woolworths old-style pick and mix.
But certain B&M’s stores are taking customers back to the good old days with a similar range of sweets. Let’s home it catches on countrywide.
6. There’s something for everyone inside
It’s safe to say that, from food and toiletries to a pets section and household range - you’re bound to find something you want.
7. Even the dog!
In the build-up to Valentine’s Day, B&M has released a wide range of outfits for your dog or cat, no matter how style-conscious they are. The range, apparently, is based on research which indicates pet owners are more likely to buy presents for their four-legged friends. Ok.
8. There furniture too
The bigger the B&M, the bigger the range. The Team Valley store in Gateshead, for instance, has beds and units as well as garden furniture. Often, a few items on display so you can try before you by, or just factor in a little sit-down during your shop.
9. Some items are not refundable
While refunds can be given on occasions on large items of furniture, the retailer’s website warns: “We do not accept returns on large items of furniture or large household appliances, unless they are faulty.”
Music videos, DVDs and computer games are non-refundable nor - understandably - are tobacco and lottery purchases. Will rules out taking your ticket back if you don’t win.
10. It really is as cheap as you think
While Home Bargains has its star buys, B&M has its deals every week which see a different range reduced.
Often these are branded products too, such as Galaxy chocolate and Valentine’s gift ideas.
11. There is only one type of card which you cannot pay with
B&M allows its customers to pay with debit or credit card - except for an American Express. Anyone got one of those?
12. Home delivery is an option - it’s just not widely advertised
This came as a surprise to us so we were keen to share. According to the B&M website, any customers who buy large furniture items or bulky gardening products, can ask in store for home delivery to be arranged.
13. You can find many designer replicas in store
Earlier this year, B&M became the latest retailer to launch Jo Malone candle look-alikes.
Its version comes in a variety of different sizes, with two fragrances on offer - Raspberry and Oud (not sure about oud, we thought it was an instrument) or Cedar and Plum.
The larger candles cost £14.99 and the smaller is £6.99. A 500ml reed diffuser is £12.99.
14. Not every store sells everything
B&M has stores across the North East but only some will offer the full range so you may have to shop around.
The superstore are you best bet, especially if you’re looking for a limited item.
15. And there are even garden centres
The bargains aren’t just inside the stores either.
Some bigger stores now have garden centres too, which means you can buy the likes of a discount shed. Who’d have thought it?
16. Manager’s Specials are always worth a look
In your local B&M store you’ll find a whole section dedicated to what the retailer calls its ‘Manager Specials’.
At the moment these can include reduced cereal, candles and air fresheners.
17. A huge change is about to be made to its food offering
At the moment, B&M stocks tinned foods and basically other products which don’t require a fridge - however, all that is all about to change.
The retailer has announced plans that it is to sell frozen foods too, which will see it compete with some of the biggest supermarkets.
18. B&M has special buys
Again like Aldi’s, B&M’s website highlights a ‘special buy’ range which comprises electricals, toys, indoor furniture and homeware products.
There are reductions on the likes of a Jamie Oliver Pan set (from £100 to £49.99) and the Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner DC40, down from £249.99 to £169.99.
There are also home furnishings such as candles, curtains and Slient Night duvet sets.
The Special Buys on offer will change regularly - similar to Aldi which releases a new limited edition range each week.
19. It recently teamed up with Weight Watchers
In a range exclusive to B&M, there are all sorts of products to help customers prepare healthy meals.
These include the Weight Watchers Steamer at £19.99; Weight Watchers Health Fryer for £39.99, and the Weight Watchers Power Juicer which costs £29.99.
There is also a two-in-one blender if you’re interested in making the likes of protein shakes or fruit smoothies.
20. You can actually do most of your weekly shop at B&M
The B&M range refutes the idea that bargain shops mean limited stock. In fact, its food aisles can rival some of the biggest supermarkets, with food brands including Tetley, Heinz and John West.
21. B&M’s bedding is such good quality you’ll be surprised at the price
You can certainly rest assured that buying bed linen from the store can be a wise move.
Besides being able to tuck up comfortably for the night, the bedding is typical B&M good value.
22. Rooting through the baskets in the middle of the aisles is the fun part
The majority of the aisles have baskets stuffed with extras - and indeed some of the biggest savings can be made here so check them out.
23. You can buy products from Adidas and other sports brands
A quick look on B&M’s website shows the retailer actually stocks some of the biggest sports brands including Adidas.
24. Struggling for a gift idea? B&M can help
The retailer doesn’t just hold out until Christmas to release its gift ideas.
These are available throughout the year, and can be ideal for anyone looking for ideas for birthdays or other occasions.
25. Cosmetics and toiletries bargains are always available
While some B&M’s ranges are often limited-edition, there is always bargains to be found down its toiletries aisle.
26. It’s good for weird and wonderful confectionery which you can’t get in many other places
The B&M chocolate and sweet aisle is huge and is heaven for those with a taste for American candy. Where else have you spotted such treats as Hershey Kisses or Smores? And, if you haven’t heard of them, then you could be in for a treat.
27. Some shoppers love B&M so much they've proposed in store
According to the B&M Twitter feed, a few proposals have taken place in its stores. So that’s nice.
And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, who knows but there might be another couple might find a romantic mood conjured up by the sight of snuggly pyjamas and Hershey Kisses.
28. There is even a gluten-free food range
B&M might not immediately spring to mind to those with a food intolerance but it boasts a gluten-free range which includes pasta and sauces.
Those who need to buy gluten-free products known that they are always more expensive but the bargain store offers decent deals on its range.
29. Do you know what B&M stands for?
Not “Bargains and More” as some might think but “Billington & Mayman”. That probably means nothing to you but it was entrepreneur Malcolm Billington who set up the store in 1978 (and remained company director until 1996) - and the name was shortened to B&M for Bargain Madness.
30. B&M has plenty of celebrity fans
With bargains so good, it’s no real surprise to hear that the retailer also has celebrity fans.
From WAGS to models, it seems no one can resist a B&M bargain.
31. Why you shouldn’t rush through the store
Some of the best bargains can be found close to the entrance, so it is always worth checking this area first. If you forget, they’ll still be there to tempt you so you find yourself to manoeuvring back there on your way to the checkout. Give in and have a look through. You know you want to.
