A new discount shop which has replaced a closed Wilko and created 80 new jobs opens today.

Bargain retailer B&M will welcome its first customers to its store in The Mall in Maidstone today with thousands of pounds of vouchers up for grabs.

Doors are set to open from 8am.

KentOnline was invited in earlier for a sneak peek of the shop before its grand opening.

The new branch is located in the former Wilko which closed in October last year.

The 26,617sq ft space has undergone internal and external refurbishment following the takeover.

Customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded groceries including a range of food, drink, and pet food.

There will also be a selection of health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, gifts, and more.

On the right side of the store shoppers will find food items, including a variety of crisps, sweets and cupboard essentials.

The middle isles have been stocked with decor, bedding and kitchenware.

To the left of the shop near the other opening, shelves are filled with a wide range of children’s toys.

As well as its usual products, the store will also carry seasonal lines, with garden furniture, pools and hot tubs already stocked ahead of the summer.

A popular dupe for the TikTok viral Stanley Cup travel mug - which retails for £45 - will be stocked at a fraction of the original’s price at £4.50.

More than 80 jobs have been created by the opening of the new branch.

Some staff have been taken on from closed Wilko stores in the surrounding areas.

Store manager Michael Simmons-Walker said: “We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.”

The new B&M is located on the lower level of The Mall in Romney Place in Maidstone town centre.

It can also be accessed through the back entrance of the shopping centre at the bottom of Gabriel’s Hill.

The shop will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.

On Saturdays it will open from 9am but close earlier at 5.30pm and operate shorter hours on Sunday, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

B&M has more than 700 stores across the UK selling a range of products at discounted prices.

Signs advertising the opening of a Maidstone branch were first displayed in windows of the former Wilko in March.

The store will be officially opened by representatives of charity Making A Difference Maidstone (MADM), as chosen by the new staff.

The not-for-profit organisation supports individuals and families who find themselves in crisis by giving them immediate relief, as well as helping them reintegrate into society.

The charity will also be getting a £250 voucher for the store.

“MADM really stood out for us, so we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work that they have done,” said the store manager.

“We hope that our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.”

To commemorate the opening, The Mall will also be offering new customers a chance to win a Golden Ticket £250 B&M gift card.

Those who take a picture of their shopping outside the store and post it on social media as part of their “Show your Haul” campaign could also get their hands on prizes.

The first 200 to post will have an instant win of a £10 voucher.