B&m Retail

B&M Retail was founded in 1978 with a first store opening in the UK. The company offers both food and non-food items. In the UK, B&M operates a total of 901 stores under different banners. 

The company also operates in Germany and France. For the chain B&M, the firm aims to operate a total of 950 stores in the UK. B&M Retail is known for constantly bringing in new references every week. 

B&M Retail operates its stores under the following banners:

• B&M: consisting of 620 stores in the UK
• Heron Foods: 281 stores in the UK
• Jawoll: 96 stores in Germany
• Babou: 96 stores in France

B&M Retail achieved a turnover of € 3895.1 million in 2019, indicating a growth of 15% in its turnover compared to 2018. The company employs 33794 people which includes 27384 employees for B&M and 4284 for Heron Foods. 

B&M Retail offers products in the following categories:

• Savory Grocery: crackers, sauces, canned food, dressings, pasta, etc.
• Sweet Grocery: biscuits, chocolate, mint, gum, tea, coffee, etc.
• Drinks: soft drinks, ciders, beers, spirits, etc.
• Dairy: cheese, skimmed milk, double cream, butter, etc. 
• Chilled & Fresh Food: ready-meals, charcuterie, cold cuts, etc.
• Frozen Food: vegetables, ice-cream, desserts, ready-meals, meat, etc. 
• Personal Care: fragrances, skincare, nail care, oral care, supplements, etc.
• Household: dishwash, laundry care, cleaners, air freshener, etc.

Some of the brands offered include Malibu, Nivea, Fairy, Heinz, Coca-Cola, Cadbury, Nestle, etc.

B&M Retail sources its products directly from manufacturers and brands. In fact, each banner has its own specialist buying and merchandising team whereby experienced buyers who have a good knowledge of the market and customer expectations look for products.  2 buyers handle the Frozen Food category and each buyer is responsible for 6 sub categories.

B&M Retail maintains strong and long term relationships with suppliers. To work with B&M Retail, suppliers must comply with relevant EU and UK laws and legislations concerning production, labelling, packaging, export, delivery, etc. Furthermore, they must also adhere to EU and UK health, safety and environmental protection laws. 

B&M Retail has been working towards reducing waste by introducing LED lighting in its stores, upgrading its delivery fleet by introducing wedge trailers and has also started to recycle its packaging waste.

During the covid 1 pandemic, the business has taken the incentive to support foodbanks across the country.