Shoppers have reportedly criticised B&M’s replacement signage at its Bedford town centre store, after the retailer was ordered to remove signs previously described as “garish” by a planning inspector.
Bedford Borough Council issued an enforcement notice against the discount retailer over vinyl signs and box tray fascia signs at the branch, which sits within the Bedford Conservation Area.
B&M appealed the notice, however it was upheld last year, forcing the retailer to remove the large red signs and replace them with smaller, plainer versions.
The planning inspector previously ruled that the signs did not preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.
The vinyl signs were described as having a “bleak and visually uninteresting appearance”, while the fascia signage was said to have a “garish, prominent and obtrusive appearance”.
However, some shoppers have said the replacement signs have made the store less noticeable.
Bedford resident Carmine Silvestre told the BBC: “I prefer it the way it was before, it brought a bit of excitement to the town, a bit of colour.”
He added that the original design “made it look a bit funkier, now it’s dull”.
His daughter Emma Silvestre said: “I thought it was shut, I didn’t even notice it, before you noticed it.
“It’s boring, I just don’t think anything of it. I prefer the other B&M sign.”
Another shopper said the new signage was “a bit bland” and “not in your face”, adding: “You have to look up to see it, I prefer the old one.”
However, shopper Celia, who did not give her surname, welcomed the changes. “It’s better now, it’s not so glary. It looked like it was deserted before,” she said.
The building was previously occupied by Marks & Spencer until March 2019, before B&M opened at the site in late 2021.
A B&M spokesperson said: “B&M have undertaken works to replace specific elements of former signage at the Bedford town centre store in line with an approved advertisement scheme and are working constructively with the council to address any final detail.”
Bedford Borough Council has been approached for comment.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
