First Lanark Store as B&M Continues Scottish Growth

B&M continued its recent growth in Scotland after opening its first store in Lanark today.

The new store opening follows closely behind earlier openings in Dumbarton and Elgin, and proves that B&M’s growth is nationwide.

The new Home Store and Garden Centre has replaced the former Homebase store at the Braidfute Retail Park, which had been the largest unit in the park.

B&M invited along representatives from the Lanark branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) as their Local Hero for the day.

A Local Hero can be an individual or organisation who have made an important contribution to their community.

The RDA representatives cut the ribbon and were also awarded £250 worth of B&M vouchers as a thank you for taking part.

RDA’s horses and ponies provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities all over the UK.

Their network of 500 volunteer groups organise activities such as riding, vaulting and show jumping to up to 28,000 people per year – and have been doing so for more than 40 years.

All help is voluntary, and the charity relies on donations and legacies to deliver their services.

Local shoppers will have been pleased to notice many familiar faces among the staff at the new store, with many of the previous Homebase staff now employed as B&M store colleagues.

In an interview with the Carluke Gazette, Eleanor Devoy, store manager at B&M Lanark, spoke about her recruitment of the new staff.

She said: “This was their store, so we made first offer to the Homebase employees.

“Some of them had worked with Homebase for a long time.”

Eleanor has high hopes for the store, saying: “Groceries, pet and health and beauty items bring people in every day and hopefully that will help regenerate the whole retail park and make it a bit busier.”

The Provost of Lanark, Eileen Logan, also gratefully accepted an invitation to appear at the opening ceremony – making the day even more memorable.

In addition to the opening ceremony, Minion characters and Olaf from Disney’s blockbuster hit Frozen were also in attendance alongside a face painter; ensuring fun for all ages.