B&M European Value Retail, the owner of B&M Bargains and Heron Foods, has announced impressive annual sales figures, surpassing the £5 billion mark. In an update covering the 53-week period ending March 30, the Liverpool-based company reported revenues of £5.5 billion, representing a robust 10.1% increase compared to the previous year.
The stellar performance was attributed to various factors, including the early Easter timing and an additional trading week compared to the previous year. Notably, B&M Bargains in the UK experienced a notable rise in like-for-like sales by 3.7%, driven primarily by increased customer transactions.
Expanding its footprint, B&M Bargains successfully opened 47 new stores during the year, surpassing initial projections. The acquisitions of Wilko stores contributed positively to performance, exceeding expectations. 
Revenue growth was significant across various segments, with B&M Bargains in the UK reporting revenues of £4.4 billion, up by 8.5% from 2023. Meanwhile, B&M operations in France witnessed a remarkable surge in sales by 19.2%, reaching £514 million. Heron Foods, including Heron stores and B&M Express convenience outlets, also saw revenues climb by 15.3% to £560 million.
Furthermore, the company anticipates its annual EBITDA profit figure to reach £629 million, marking a robust 9.8% increase from the previous year and aligning with market expectations.
Emphasizing its commitment to shareholders, B&M European Value Retail highlighted its distribution of £1.8 billion in shareholder returns between 2021 and 2024, underscoring a disciplined approach to capital management and value creation.
Chief Executive Alex Russo expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance, attributing it to a relentless focus on delivering low prices, diverse product ranges, and operational excellence. Looking ahead, Russo affirmed the company’s confidence in its growth prospects, with plans to open at least 45 new B&M stores in the UK over the next two financial years, while also noting the significant growth potential in the French and Heron businesses.
Established in the 1970s in Blackpool, B&M Bargains embarked on a trajectory of substantial growth after being acquired by the Arora family in the 2000s and relocating to Liverpool. The company went public in 2014 and currently operates over 700 stores in the UK, more than 100 in France, and 319 Heron Foods/B&M Express outlets.
