There has been some excitement in the air in Lincoln since B&M announced it will be taking over the former Wilko unit at Waterside South.
The discount retail store chain took over more than 50 Wilko shops last year, including the Lincoln one which closed in October 2023 and has been vacant ever since. It will get a new lease of life when it opens as B&M on September 14, 2024.
B&M already has two shops in the city – on Tritton Road and Deacon Road – and the latter also has a garden centre.
Some readers questioned whether Lincoln really needs three B&M stores, but Zoe Michele Moore believes it is because they are “three different formats – garden centre, retail and bargain” and that “this one will be a bargain store”.
Many said they “can’t wait” and Adrian Hughes describes it as “a well positioned new B&M” while Charlotte Shamir Williams says “this will be amazing”.
Dawn Johnson said: “I think it’s a good idea. There are so many shops for the younger generation, but not enough for the elderly who cannot drive to other places. And why should they?
“I think we get a bit selfish and don’t think about them. We don’t need more pubs or cafes or clothes shops. And if we can get the elderly out a bit, more for part of their lonely days to have a look around the store, then let it be because they also deserve something for themselves in the town they grew up in, and most probably contributed to as well.”
Darren Brien also said it is “amazing news” and that the “elderly will be thrilled to have a bargain shop within easy reach”.
Mike Shields said “B&M is great for that store’s size” and Dennis Murray added “regardless of what’s going into it, at least it’s being used”.
Kay Baker commented: “All these people that are saying Wilkos should be another clothes shop, now what about the normal people. Since Wilkos, where do you go for cleaning products, gardening, decorating, drinking glasses?
“We don’t all have the money for high prices. Most will welcome B&M. I will not have to go to Tritton Road or Wragby Road, which for me is two bus rides away.”
Dean Richards said: “Better plans here for Lincoln than Boston. Lots of shops are going here (in Boston) and it’s becoming a ghost town. We had the big Oldrids, Marks & Spencer, they’re just letting the place go to nothing.”
Lorraine Cawdron said: “That’s where the majority of Siemens, Anglian Water, BT, city council and any other office people in the vicinity will be at lunchtime. I worked at Wilkos and they were always in there at lunchtime, some as regular as clockwork.”
Not everyone is happy though as Grant McGill said it’s “pointless” as you “can’t park near it”.
Rachel Gore said: “I’ve never liked B&M. Absolutely tacky shop.”
Meryl Whittington said: “If it’s like the two new ones in Nottingham don’t take a pushchair or mobility scooter in. If you have a trolley, two can’t pass in the aisles which are way too close together and one has to back up. Claustrophobic and ridiculous layout.”
Others would prefer to see other vacant units or other chain names focused on.
Paul Paxon said: “Need to concentrate on splitting Debenhams up and getting some quality retailers on the High Street.”
Evie Pigford said “They give us another B&M, but where’s the Zara at?” while Helen Page believes “we need an IKEA, that would be great” and Steve Holland (ironically) added: “A new McDonald’s would be better.”