Here is a first look inside the brand-new B&M store in New Cross Gate which welcomed its first customers this morning.

The budget store has moved into a former Harvey's & Bensons for Beds shop, offering a whopping 17,760 square feet of space.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

The launch of the new store will create 35 jobs for local people and has had a full makeover inside.

The store opened its doors to members of the public from 8am on February 29.

The store has shared some images of its opening ceremony as well as some images showcasing the various departments at the site.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

Customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded groceries for the best possible price including a range of food, drink, and pet food.

There is also a selection of quality health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, gifts, and plenty more to explore.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

A statement on the B&M website reads: “Conveniently located in the New Cross Gate Retail Park, our store features popular departments where you'll find exactly what you need at seriously low prices!

“Whether you are looking for cheap kitchen appliances, gadgets or gifts for any occasion, you'll find a great level of variety at this B&M shop.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

“Planning your next visit to B&M? Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking. Meanwhile, New Cross Gate underground station is just a 3-minute walk away.

“Upon arrival, grab a basket or trolley and explore our well-stocked aisles.

“Discover wall-to-wall offers and bargains as well as extra special discounts across the entire shop.”

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

The stores opening hours are as follows: • Monday: 8am-10pm

• Tuesday: 8am-10pm

• Wednesday: 8am-10pm

• Thursday: 8am-10pm

 • Friday: 8am-10pm

 • Saturday: 8am-10pm

• Sunday: 11am -5pm

The colleagues were asked to nominate a local charity they think deserves some "VIP treatment" for the work they do for the local community.

They chose the team from Lewisham Donation Hub to take centre stage and officially unveil the new B&M store.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

Lewisham Donation Hub is a voluntary project set up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, who collects and organises donations of all kinds, which they then share with those facing hardship.

Lewisham Donation Hub provide a range of support - from emergency food support to clothing and home essentials to large electricals and furniture.

The direct support is redistributed at no cost to those in hardship by the charity’s teams of volunteers.

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

The store manager from B&M said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.

“We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome new customers through the door.”

News Shopper: B&M store in New Cross GateB&M store in New Cross Gate (Image: B&M)

The store manager also commented: “Lewisham Donation Hub really stood out for us, so we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work that they have done. We hope that our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.”

This opening is part of 45 new B&M locations planned for 2024 and the company says that the same number is projected for the next financial year.

All in all, the group looks set to have introduced 76 new stores across all its brands by March.

This includes 45 B&M stores in the UK, 11 in France, and 20 novel Heron outlets Alex Russo, chief executive of the group, said: “The performance across the ‘golden quarter’ has been pleasing, with strong operational execution across the three businesses.

“Our strategy remains unchanged – we are an everyday low-price discounter with a laser-focus in keeping excellence in retail standards and our costs the lowest.

“This allows us to provide our products at the best price to all customers, many of whom continue to face significant cost-of-living pressures.

“Our store pipeline is strong, and we will open not less than 45 B&M UK stores in each of the next two financial years, driving disciplined cash-generating growth.”

B&M already has more than 700 stores in the UK and employs over 35,000 staff.

You can see more details about the new stores set to open in the UK or job vacancies on the B&M website.