The opening of B&M in Burnham-On-Sea has led to mixed impacts on trade in town centre shops.
The new B&M store opened last month in Pier Street and there has been concern that the business of nearby shops may be hit.
The manager of Burnham’s Proper Job in Adam Street told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Our trade is down since the store opened – we’re down by around £500 a day.”
“However, many of our loyal customers are still coming here and the evidence from other towns is that B&M just has a temporary effect around its opening.”
Phil Hemming at Home Hardware in the High Street added: “We’ve seen no change – our trade is about the same, which is a relief, and we thank our loyal customers for their continuing support.”
But Colin Morris at GW Hurleys in the High Street told Burnham-On-Sea.com his trade is being affected.
“Our turnover is down by about 10-12% since the B&M store opened. It’s definitely affecting us – the Christmas period will be a key time for us.”
Jane Jenkins said trade at her two town centre businesses has also been impacted. “We’ve seen a massive dent in trade – we’re down over 50 per cent. Many businesses at the northern end of the town are struggling as shoppers head to the B&M end.”
Another trader agreed, saying B&M’s opening has made the southern end of the town busier, with businesses in and around Pier Street benefiting.
Burnham Chamber of Trade has again urged shoppers to support local trade by using town centre shops.
The new store opened in September in place of Morrisons, which shut its doors for the final time in November 2015.
