B&M is set to debut its first “store of the future” later this month, marking a significant step in the retailer’s strategy to modernise its estate.

B&M is set to debut its first “store of the future” later this month, marking a significant step in the retailer’s strategy to modernise its estate. The Worthington Way branch in Wigan, spanning 24,449 sq ft, has undergone a comprehensive transformation and will officially relaunch on 28 August. Throughout the refurbishment, the store has remained open, allowing the company to refine its approach while maintaining service for local shoppers.

The redesigned location will serve as a pilot site for a range of new layouts, technologies and in‑store features that may later be rolled out across the wider B&M portfolio. Key enhancements include an expanded frozen food section, the introduction of self‑checkout terminals and customer assistance buttons, as well as upgraded signage and improved product displays. The overall layout has been reconfigured to create a more intuitive and easily navigable shopping environment.

According to B&M, the concept has been shaped by extensive feedback from both customers and colleagues, with the aim of delivering a more inspirational and seamless retail experience. Company representatives described the relaunch as an important milestone for the store and the surrounding community, emphasising the significance of being selected as the retailer’s flagship concept location for future innovation.

Chief executive Tjeerd Jegen highlighted the strategic importance of the Wigan site, noting that it is the first to showcase B&M’s new forward‑looking format. Jegen, who joined the business following senior roles at HEMA, Tesco, Ahold Delhaize and Metro Group, underscored the company’s commitment to listening to shoppers and staff in shaping its next phase of growth. The retailer will closely monitor customer response to the new features before determining which elements will be incorporated into future stores, alongside ongoing expansion plans such as the forthcoming larger Carmarthen branch opening on 22 August.

What this means for hiring. B&M is testing new layouts, self-checkouts and customer assistance buttons in Wigan before deciding what to roll out across the estate, and a larger Carmarthen store is opening too. For store managers and their teams, that means new ways of working to learn, and B&M says feedback from colleagues as well as customers shaped the concept.