Value chain B&M Bargains is suffering supply chain difficulties just weeks after the opening of its new 625,000 sq ft warehouse in Speke, Liverpool.

B&M Bargains stores - such as in Swinton near Manchester (pictured) - have been hit in the crucial run-up to Christmas.

One source told Retail Week the problems were not exclusive to this one store, but that other shops were being affected up and down the country. It is thought stock shortages are hitting categories such as alcohol and bulky items such as toilet paper. In some instances it is understood stores are receiving only a quarter of their normal deliveries.

B&M Bargains, which secured £10.8m funding from Lloyds TSB to help fund the purchase of the warehouse, is now trying to sell it as part of a sale and leaseback deal. B&M Bargains did not return calls.