BUDGET retailer B&M has confirmed it is taking over the former Wilko at an Essex shopping centre – sparking excitement from business and residents alike.
The national chain runs hundreds of discount shops across the country and revealed yesterday it hopes to open early next year after transforming the shop on the ground floor of the Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre.
Wilko closed last October in a huge blow for the shopping centre after 28 years trading from the High Street.
Southend Council has been working behind the scenes with the firm in recent weeks and workers have been spotted carrying out a refurb inside the shop.
Shaz Setoudeh, who owns nearby Keisha’s Accessories, described the shopping centre as a “sleeping giant” and is confident the new arrival will be a huge boost for business in Southend. 
The trader, who has been based in the shopping centre for 15 years, said: “It’s great news, absolutely great news. I think it will be a huge help for all the businesses. The footfall will increase dramatically. When Wilko left, we were all distraught. It killed a lot of the footfall.
“This will benefit the whole of Southend, to be honest. This shopping centre is like a sleeping giant. It’s got so much potential. Hopefully, it will entice bigger companies to move in. It’s an injection of great news to impact the whole of the Victoria centre.”
The unit has remained empty since Wilko closed last October and rumours have been circling over the last week around the new arrival.
Last week Southend Council, which owns the shopping centre, revealed it was working with a “national operator” to take over.
Jonny Malone, owner of Brickie’s Pie and Mash in the centre, said: “I think it could be a big step forward for the centre. It’s going to create jobs. I think it could potentially boost my business. It could make the business. The centre has been crying out for it. It was a big hit to lose Wilko.”
Brad Adams, owner of Unique Ink, is confident the arrival of B&M will boost his shop and all those in the centre.
He said: “It’s important for my business for more trade. I’ve only been here since December, but I feel like the centre needs more businesses. It’s going to be a big boon for everyone here.”
A B&M spokesperson said: “B&M plan to open at Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend during the first quarter of 2025 subject to completion of prior landlords works.”
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