Bargain retail chain has eyes on Northern Ireland expansion

Discount retailer B&M will open two new stores in Northern Ireland in the coming months as part of its UK expansion plans.

The retailer is set to take over a former JJB Store at Drumkeen Retail Park in south Belfast as well as a opening a new unit in Ballynahinch.

The Drumkeen store will open on March 9, creating more than 25 jobs.

While the retailer would not confirm the opening of another Co Down store, job vacancies on its website for a ‘new Ballynahinch store’ indicate that it has interests in a new branch there.

“We try to open 50-60 stores a year so we’re always looking for new sites, which means recruitment can sometimes search areas to see if the local community are interested,” said a spokeswoman.

Speaking about the Belfast store, which is facing Forestside shopping centre, she added: “We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our new customers through the door in a few weeks.”