THE opening of B&M in Stourbridge which has brought a jobs boost to the town has been welcomed.

The popular discount retailer has moved into the High Street unit left empty by the closure of Wilko in October.

B&M officially opened its doors to customers at 8am on Thursday January 25, creating 44 jobs for local people.

A spokesperson for B&M said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.”

B&M said the 22,893sqft unit underwent extensive refurbishment ahead of the launch of the new store, which stocks health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, gifts, food and drink and pet items.

Stourbridge News: Inside the new storeInside the new store (Image: B&M)

Next door neighbours RE/MAX Prime Estates welcomed the retailer to the town in a Facebook post, saying: “Great to see another retailer opening their doors on Stourbridge High Street and bringing footfall to the town.”

Stourbridge MP Suzanne also welcomed the opening of the new store and said she popped in to get a gift for her dog.

Stourbridge News: Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb outside the new B&M store in StourbridgeStourbridge MP Suzanne Webb outside the new B&M store in Stourbridge (Image: Suzanne Webb MP)

She said: “It’s a big positive to see such a large store opening up in Stourbridge bringing jobs and a wide range of goods to our town.

“I have already popped in to buy my dog Sid a toy and it was busy, which shows there remains a demand for physical retail and that many people still prefer going to the shops rather than shopping online.

“Importantly, having such a big name in Stourbridge will help attract more shops and, alongside West Midlands Combined Authority funding to regenerate the high street, it means we can be confident about the future.”

As part of the launch, the store chose Black Country Foodbank as its local good cause to receive some VIP treatment – inviting the charity’s CEO Jen Coleman to cut the ribbon on opening day.

The charity was also given a donation of a £250 B&M voucher to help buy items for its much-needed food parcels.

The store is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.