A discount retailer which has replaced a former Wilko opened at the weekend.

B&M welcomed customers to its newest branch in Gillingham High Street at 9am on Saturday (November 16).

Wilko closed in September last year along with others around the country a month after the retailer declared bankruptcy. The 16,123sqft space has now had a complete internal and external refurbishment.

Customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded groceries including a range of food, drink, and pet food.

There is also a selection of health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, and gifts.

Workers nominated Medway Foodbank, which has nine centres across the Towns, to unveil the new branch.

The charity is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks that work to combat poverty and hunger in the UK.

In 2023, they delivered 5120 food parcels and fed 6970 children.

The charity will also receive £250 of B&M vouchers, which will go towards helping it continue its work.

B&M has more than 700 stores across the UK. It has also taken over former Wilko shops in Rainham and Maidstone.

The new shop will be open on Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and on Sundays between 10am and 4pm.

The store manager said: “It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors, the feedback so far has been fantastic.

“A big thank you to the team at Medway Foodbank who helped us open the store.

“We hope that our donation can help them to continue to do the great work they do.”