B&M: How Big It Is, What the 2026 Results Say and What to Expect In Store

Quick answer: At its 28 March 2026 year-end, B&M had 799 UK stores under the B&M brand, 342 under the Heron Foods and B&M Express brands, and 147 in France. For FY26 (published 3 June 2026), group revenue rose 3.6% to £5,775 million, while UK like-for-like sales were roughly flat at minus 0.1%. The company cut its profit guidance, citing price investment, clearance activity and Heron Foods underperformance.

Last updated: November 2026. Figures come from B&M's results announcement and trade coverage.

What B&M is

B&M, short for Bargains and More, is a Liverpool-founded discount variety chain that sells groceries, homeware, garden furniture, toys, DIY, pet food and seasonal goods. If you search "b&m near me", "b&m home store", "b and m bargains" or "bm stores", you're after the same thing: a big shed on a retail park full of low-priced stuff. It's a different offer from Poundland, with larger stores, bigger items such as furniture, TV stands and fans, and a reputation for finding branded goods at reduced prices. The company also owns Heron Foods, a frozen-food and grocery chain, and B&M Express, a convenience format, plus a business in France. In the UK, it's one of the biggest names in discount retail, and its store numbers have been growing even while other chains have been closing.

The FY26 numbers

B&M's full-year results for the year to 28 March 2026 were published on 3 June 2026. Group revenue rose 3.6% to £5,775 million, helped by growth in both B&M businesses, offset by a 0.3% revenue decline at Heron Foods. UK like-for-like sales were roughly flat, down 0.1%, so growth came mostly from new stores: total UK sales rose 2.9%. Group openings were 64 gross, including 41 in B&M UK (22 net), 12 in B&M France and one net closure in Heron, which had 11 openings and 12 closures. The company cut its adjusted EBITDA guidance to between £440 million and £475 million, down from £470 million to £520 million, and said the cut reflected price investment, clearance activity and the Heron underperformance. Management said France and Heron both started the new financial year positively, and that its UK 'Back to B&M Basics' programme was continuing. That's a polite way of saying the business is trying to refocus on what customers like about it.

Measure (FY26)	Reported figure
UK B&M stores	799
Heron Foods and B&M Express	342
France	147
Group revenue	£5,775m (up 3.6%)
UK like-for-like	Down 0.1%

What that means in the shop

For shoppers, the lesson is that B&M is still growing, but its competitors have noticed, and price competition is fierce. The company said it has invested in prices, so some staples may be cheaper than before, and clearance activity means you might find bargains on older stock. At the same time, the chain isn't immune to shifting trends: consumers are watching their budgets and shopping around. B&M's stock changes a lot. A garden furniture set that was there in June might be gone by August, and seasonal ranges such as Halloween, Christmas and back-to-school come and go. If you see something you want, such as a fan, a bistro set or a TV stand, don't assume it will be there next week. Equally, don't assume the first price is the lowest. Items often get reduced as the season ends.

Smart shopping at a variety chain

Compare unit prices on food and household goods. A big tub of something at B&M might be cheaper per 100g than a supermarket pack, or the reverse. Check dates on food, especially branded items sold at a discount, since they may have shorter shelf lives. Look at the brand's quality on things like compost: cheap compost can be full of sticks and poor in nutrients, so read the label and compare the litres and the peat-free claim. For electricals and furniture, check the model and the warranty. Flat-pack furniture needs assembly, and bargain furniture may be lighter than you expect. A TV stand's weight rating should match your TV. Fans and heaters should carry the UKCA or CE mark and should be used as instructed. For beds, check mattress size, because UK sizes are single, double, king and super king, and a bed frame needs the right slats and fixings. If the Aldi offers are not quite what you need, it is worth comparing them with the latest Asda leaflet before you decide.

B&M has limited online sales, so most buying is in store. Check bmstores.co.uk for what's online. If you buy something faulty, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you in the usual way: satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, as described. Keep the receipt. For a larger item, take a photo of the label and the barcode.

A last thought on B&M and its rivals. Home Bargains, Poundland, Aldi's Specialbuys and Lidl's middle aisle all sell similar kit, and prices on the same product can differ by a few quid. If you're buying something bulky such as garden furniture, check three places before you drive out, and ask whether the shop will hold an item for you, since some branches will. Take a tape measure and the dimensions of your car boot, because a flat-pack parasol base is heavier than it looks.

Finally, keep an eye on what the FY26 figures imply: flat like-for-like sales and a profit warning usually mean more promotions and clearance. If you're patient, the second half of a season tends to bring the best bargains on garden and seasonal lines, though the choice thins out.

Frequently asked questions

How many B&M stores are there in the UK?

At 28 March 2026 it had 799 UK stores under the B&M brand and 342 under the Heron Foods and B&M Express brands, according to its FY26 results.

Is B&M doing well?

Revenue grew 3.6% to £5,775 million, but UK like-for-like sales were roughly flat and the company cut its profit guidance.

Does B&M sell online?

Mostly in store. Check bmstores.co.uk for any online range.

Sources

• B&M FY26 preliminary results (3 June 2026): lse.co.uk
• Barchart, B&M H2 earnings call highlights: barchart.com
• Yahoo Finance, B&M Q1 FY26 revenue growth: finance.yahoo.com
• Citizens Advice, consumer rights: citizensadvice.org.uk