I was sipping coffee at a café in Preston when I overheard a pair of shoppers worrying about Heron Foods closing down. “Did you hear it’s shutting?” one said. At first, I chalked it up to another internet rumour until the same chatter started appearing in our local community groups.
With uncertainty growing, I teamed up with my colleague Jasmine, and we made our way to our local Heron Foods branch. We wanted to ask the people who’d know best the staff working inside.
What we uncovered was a story that’s far more complex than a simple “store closure.” The truth? Heron Foods is not shutting down entirely; it’s evolving, and the changes are worth understanding.
Is Heron Foods Really Closing Down Across the UK?
No, Heron Foods is not closing across the board. While a few stores have closed, like the well-known Scunthorpe branch, these are individual, localised closures, not a reflection of the overall business model collapsing.
When Jasmine and I spoke with an employee inside the store, they were quick to clear things up:
“We’ve had quite a few people asking if the store’s closing,” they said. “But no, that’s not happening here. It’s just a lot of noise online.”
They explained that while some locations might shut due to lease or footfall issues, the vast majority continue to operate as normal.
What’s the Story Behind B&M’s Acquisition of Heron Foods?
In August 2017, Heron Foods was acquired by B&M Retail in a deal worth £152 million. B&M is a giant in the discount retail space wanted to expand into frozen and convenience food retail, and Heron Foods was already well-established in that niche.
According to the staff:
“Since the B&M buyout, things have been more structured. There’s better supply, and we’ve had more chances to transfer or move into bigger roles if we wanted.”
This acquisition didn’t lead to store shutdowns. Instead, it gave Heron Foods more resources and corporate backing to compete in a tough retail market.
Table: Key Details of the B&M–Heron Foods Acquisition
| Item | Details |
| Acquisition Year | 2017 |
| Acquirer | B&M Retail |
| Deal Value | £152 million |
| Heron’s Role Post-Deal | Operates as a subsidiary of B&M |
| Impact on Staff | Access to wider opportunities, structure |
Why Are Some Heron Stores Rebranding as B&M Express?
This was the source of most of the confusion. In certain towns and cities, Heron Foods stores have been rebranded as “B&M Express”, a name that aligns more directly with B&M’s identity.
But as the store assistant told us:
“People see a different sign and think we’re shutting down. But it’s just B&M Express, same team, same offers, just a bit more streamlined.”
This rebranding often comes with store upgrades, better layouts, and a refreshed look, but the product range, frozen foods, groceries, snacks remains largely the same.
Table: Difference Between Heron Foods and B&M Express (Post-Rebrand)
| Feature | Heron Foods | B&M Express |
| Ownership | B&M Retail | B&M Retail |
| Branding | Traditional Heron branding | Aligned with B&M corporate look |
| Product Focus | Discount groceries & frozen | Same – groceries & frozen |
| Store Layout | Standard convenience style | Often more modernised |
| Staff & Operations | Unchanged | Same staff, new branding |
Are New Heron Foods or B&M Express Stores Still Opening?
Yes – despite economic challenges, new stores are still opening under both the Heron and B&M Express names. These launches are often planned to replace ageing sites or expand into areas with greater demand.
The staff confirmed:
“We just heard about another store opening next month up in Yorkshire. It’s all about finding the right spot.”
They added:
“Honestly, we get more updates about new openings than closures.”
This shows how store openings are part of a broader business strategy rather than a reactive move to replace failures.
Table: Recent Heron Foods & B&M Express Store Developments
| Location | Store Format | Status | Year |
| Scunthorpe | Heron Foods | Closed | 2025 |
| Hull (East Riding) | Heron Foods | Newly Opened | 2024 |
| Liverpool Edge Hill | B&M Express | Rebranded Open | 2025 |
| Bolton | B&M Express | Expansion Site | 2024 |
Why Are Some Stores Closing If the Brand Is Growing?
The closures that do occur are often tied to lease agreements, rising property costs, or location-specific footfall challenges, not poor performance across the board.
As one staff member said:
“Scunthorpe was a sad one. We saw the post go around and it hit a lot of people hard. But that branch had been under review for months, it wasn’t a surprise for staff there.”
Closures are handled with care, and staff are usually offered transfers or internal opportunities if a store is scheduled to close.
Is the Economy Putting Pressure on Heron Foods?
Absolutely. Like most retailers, Heron Foods is navigating higher supplier costs, staffing shortages, and changes in shopper behaviour. Yet, its focus on affordability, especially frozen items and discount groceries, continues to resonate with families and pensioners.
“It’s tough everywhere, yeah. But Heron’s got loyal customers,”
One employee told us.
“We get people in here every day who rely on us for affordable food. That’s not going away.”
Even with profits tightening in recent years, new openings and rebrands have helped maintain momentum, especially in high-demand areas.
How Are These Changes Affecting Staff and Customers?
For customers, especially those on tight budgets, even the idea of a Heron closure can be worrying.
One shopper we spoke with outside the store told us:
“I come here because it’s cheaper than the big supermarkets. If this one closed, I’d be stuck.”
Meanwhile, the staff we met gave us confidence in the company’s direction:
“We know people depend on us – especially now with prices going up everywhere. That’s why there’s been such a push to keep stores open, even if they change names.”
They described the company culture as responsive, focused on community presence, and open with staff about changes.
What’s the Current Status of Heron Foods as a Brand?
From everything Jasmine and I gathered, Heron Foods is not in retreat; it is restructuring, relocating, and rebranding where needed. These changes are based on market strategy, not crisis.
The final words from the staff member we spoke to stuck with me:
“It’s not a closure story – it’s a change story.”
Table: Heron Foods 2026 Business Summary
| Category | Status / Outcome |
| National Presence | 340+ stores operating across England & Wales |
| Ownership | Fully owned by B&M Retail since 2017 |
| Rebranding | Some stores now operate as B&M Express |
| New Store Openings | Actively expanding in strategic areas |
| Store Closures | Limited, based on lease or property issues |
| Customer Impact | Continued access to value groceries |
| Staff Opportunities | Retention and relocation support ongoing |
FAQs About Heron Foods Store Closures
Is Heron Foods closing down entirely?
No. It remains an active and growing part of B&M Retail with over 340 stores in operation.
Why did some stores like Scunthorpe close?
Closures were due to lease expiry or relocation, not a business failure.
What is B&M Express, and how is it different?
It’s a rebranded version of some Heron stores, with the same core products under a refreshed look.
Are more stores opening in 2026?
Yes. Both Heron Foods and B&M Express are opening in new and growing areas.
How are staff affected when stores shut?
Employees are often offered roles at nearby stores or within the B&M network.
Is Heron Foods still affordable for budget shoppers?
Yes – its model focuses on frozen and discount foods, maintaining strong value appeal.
Where can I check if my local Heron is changing?
In-store signage or the official Heron Foods website will post updates about store status.
