A discount chain that shoppers have described as a "blast from the past" is set to expand across the UK. Boyes is a family-run chain that sells everything from homewares to beauty products and many other things, earning itself a reputation for being somewhat of an Aladdin's cave of products. With 83 stores dotted across the UK, it has become a go-to for many shoppers on the hunt for bargains, with some people comparing it to Woolworths in the 90s.

The expansion news comes as other discount chains go through major restructuring, which includes shutting a number of stores. Poundland has just gone through a major shake-up, which saw close to 150 branches shut across the UK. Meanwhile, The Original Factory Shop has closed a number of stores after collapsing into administration just a few months ago. Boyes has its eyes on spreading across the UK, and in 2025, it announced that it would occupy an ex-Wilko spot in Bedfordshire town centre that had been abandoned for almost two years.

The chain dates all the way back to 1881 when William Boyes opened a small store in Eastborough, Scarborough. He sold leftovers from other merchants, which eventually led to what the discount chain is today.

Today, W Boyes and Co Ltd operate over 80 stores throughout Yorkshire, the North East, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire.

When it was announced that the chain would move into the former Wilko store in Bedfordshire, Hannah Niven, head of North Herts and Luton agency at Kirkby Diamond who closed the deal, said: "The hope is that the opening of such a large flagship store will mark the beginning of a new era."

The company has since opened a number of new locations, including one in Nottinghamshire just recently. Boyes also recently announced that it would take over yet another former Wilko location in Burton, Staffordshire.

Shoppers have shared their praise for the discount chain online, with some calling it nostalgic and highlighting its good value for money.

"Everything else I can think of, they sell in some form or other! It's NOT like B&M - it's a blast from the past, when Woolworths and similar shops sold virtually everything you could ever want," said one Facebook user.

They added: "If you think of Wilkos in its prime, crossed with Rowells from Stapleford, with a dash of M&S, WH Smith, Jessops-as-was, Skills toy shop and Hobbycraft thrown in, you'll get the idea."

Google reviews also praise the stores. One local, who lives within walking distance from a Boyes store, shared: "We love it, because it's very like an old-fashioned department store, stocking everything from cleaning stuff for the home or car, to cooking gear, fishing tackle, DIY supplies, clothes, shoes, craft supplies, you name it.

"Sure, they don't stock absolutely everything. But they carry a pretty astonishing range of stuff, and, nine times out of 10, they have whatever it is we're after, be it a light switch for the bathroom, or those fatty balls for feeding the birds."