B&M to close popular Musselburgh branch in further blow to high street

B&M will close a popular store in what has been described as a fresh blow to the high street.

The bargain retailer will cease trading at Musselburgh, East Lothian, in January next year. The firm, which was founded in 1978 in Merseyside, says it intends to move resources, including staff, by exploiting the Fort Kinnaird store, which is around two miles away.

However, customers have shared their dismay at another knock to the retail industry, days after jewellery and accessories shop Claire'scollapsed into administration in the UK and Ireland. One customer posted on social media: "Such a shame." Another wrote on X: "Shocking news." A third said: "High street is dying."

But the staff at the Musselburgh branch will be transferred to alternative branches in the area, such as the Fort Kinnaird one. This store is part of a large shopping centre near Newcraighall, Edinburgh.

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A spokesperson for the retail chain said: "All colleagues from this store will be offered employment at local B&M stores in the surrounding area after the closure on January 9.

"We’re committed to bringing the best possible B&M stores to East Lothian and recently upgraded our nearby Fort Kinnaird store – now home to a garden centre and a much bigger range just two miles away, ensuring we continue to offer the best possible shopping experience and broadest range in the area."

The retail industry has taken a hit recently. The Original Factory Shop shut eight high street stores this summer, including branches in Perth and Peterhead, also both in Scotland. Poundland has also announced a string of closures this month, in another blow to the high street.

B&M itself closed a London location in March. Customers were left devastated after finding out the branch would be closing its doors for good. One said: "All our neighbours are absolutely gutted; you can get everything there from Christmas decorations to food, toiletries, paint and garden plants. It's a bit no-frills but it has some absolute bargains in there." Another dejectedly added on Facebook: "I love that shop, lots of nice things."

Bargains and More would really suffice but the name actually stands for Billington and Mayman as it was set up by Malcolm Billington but shortened to B&M for Bargain Madness. Established in 1978 - Billington remained the company director until 1996.

Like B&M, many of out other favourite high street's biggest brands, as well as shops, restaurants and other firms, choose to adopt acronyms because they sound good and gets rid of any unease about saying a long-winded name fully.