GUEST COMMENT Industry reaction as B&M scraps home delivery

As UK based retailers continue to battle against increasing energy bills and overhead costs, it has been revealed this week that B&M – one of the nation’s most popular discount retailers – has made the decision to stop offering home delivery services to customers.

The service, initially introduced by the retailer in June 2022 on a trial basis, was offered on a range of around 1,000 heavier products sold in store – including garden and indoor furniture and electrical equipment.

Commenting on this decision from B&M, Nick Drewe, founder of online discounts platform Wethrift, says:

“As Britons continue to navigate through the ongoing cost of living crisis, many consumers have decided to cut down on spending where possible. For some living in cities or more heavily populated towns, this has resulted in the decision to become a carless household, and rely on public transport to eliminate the associated costs of petrol, insurance and vehicle tax.

“Unfortunately, when hugely popular retailers such as B&M decide to scrap their online delivery services, it’s these customers who don’t have access to a vehicle, who find themselves in a difficult situation. When looking to purchase heavy or bulkier items from B&M that they cannot simply carry or transport themselves via a bus, tube or train ride, they will now need to explore other options.

“These options could include seeking out a friend or family member who has access to a vehicle and can help them collect an item in-store. However, this could cause issues for those who are caring for small children at home or who may have accessibility issues.

“Alternatively, some customers may also feel as though their only option is to instead look to purchase their heavier items from other retailers, such as B&Q, Homebase, Argos or Dunelm that are still able to offer home delivery services to customers unable to arrange their own collections.

“Unfortunately, these retailers also tend to have higher cost points than the likes of B&M and other discount stores like Home Bargains – which interestingly enough does still offer a delivery service to customers purchasing large furniture items or who spend more than £150.

“Regardless of how insignificant the decision makers at B&M believe scrapping online delivery services is, there will undoubtedly be a large number of individuals and families up and down the UK – each with their own personal set of circumstances – that will no longer be in a position to stay loyal to the brand as a result of the move.”