The launch date for a new B&M which is opening in a former town centre Wilko has been revealed.

Bosses at the chain have revealed the shop is set to take over the empty unit in The Mall in Maidstone in a couple of months.

B&M signage and ads for the store are now on display in the windows of the former Wilko which closed in October last year.

Its closure came after the hardware and furnishings retailer tumbled into administration after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers.

Today, a B&M spokesman said: “I can confirm that there will be a new store opening in Maidstone on Thursday, May 2.”

The news, which has been shared on social media, has been welcomed by shoppers.

One person said on social media: “Brilliant, I wanted B&M. They will give the pound shop a run for their money.”

Another commented: “Yayy, I thought it was a Pound Stretcher going in there. I was gutted as I was hoping for B&M as we don’t have one.”