B&M like-for-likes dip 2.3% in UK amid slower garden sales start

B&M saw a 2.3% decline in like-for-like sales in its first quarter due to a slower start to garden and outdoor sales this year.

Trading margin also remained below the previous year, as expected, as the retailer continued to invest in price in a competitive FMCG marketplace.

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Tjeerd Jegen, chief executive of B&M, said: “Our first quarter is our seasonally most variable for sales, and the previously mentioned slower start to our garden season against a very strong comparable last year made this especially so in Q1.

“Against this backdrop, the like-for-like sales decline at B&M UK was expected, but it was pleasing to see our general merchandise categories return to growth in May and June, and our garden and outdoor inventories ending the season at normal stock levels.”

B&M France delivered like-for-like sales growth of 5.3% which the retailer attributed to strong retail execution, effective merchandising and the attractiveness of its customer proposition.

In addition, there was a 2.6% uplift in like-for-likes at Heron Foods after successful Easter trading and the positive impact of ongoing range reviews.

Revenue across the group increased by 2% to £1.433 billion in the period. In the UK, revenue edged up 0.3%  to £1.135 billion.

Jegen said the retailer’s Back to B&M Basics plan is continuing to support a recovery in like-for-like FMCG sales at B&M UK. This includes sharpening its FMCG ranges through SKU rationalisation, which will be 75% complete by the end of July.

He added: “Our B&M UK general merchandise trading margin continued the upward trend we communicated with FY26 results, which together with our ongoing focus on cost mitigation underscore our confidence in rebuilding group profitability over time.”