Countdown to opening.

A business that was such a big player in Rushden, is now back.

It seems rather like the fashion industry? You may have an old favourite item in your wardrobe that has suddenly become vogue again.

So be prepared for a name that vanished from Rushden in 2007, we can reveal that “Budgens” returned in March, 2024.

Their former shop in Eaton Walk was taken over by Wilkinson’s, but the name of Wilko in Rushden went on Thursday 28th September, 2023.They are still trading on line, and it does stock a very comprehensive range of products.

So after a spell away from Rushden of some seventeen years, the Budgens renaissance will be taking place in the corner in what was a Mc Coll’s store.

How will the competition pan out when you consider it’s position, next to a Co-op store?

That Co-op sits where the former Viking public house was.

Back in 2015, Budgens became part of the Booker Group and today they have over 260 stores, including  petrol forecourts and neighbourhood supermarkets.

Their headquarters are based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Founded by John Budgen in 1872, Budgens is believed to be one of the oldest supermarket brands in Great Britain today.

It will be ready.	Wiring going in.

I did visit the Budgens site on Saturday 2nd March, 2024, and was kindly given permission to take some shots by the team, who were from London.

After a few more days the front windows were made opaque by a generous application of a white wash material.

Could I thank the staff and management for being really helpful, in giving me the chance to take the photo’s etc.

Filling the cabinet.	We are back.

So the big day finally arrived, and on Friday 15th March 2024, the store was opened at 12 noon, with the ribbon being cut.

Cutting the ribbon.	First customer.

The weather was rather spring like, sunny but breezy, and 17 C.

Find the store at 165 Grangeway, Rushden, NN10 9JE.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 7 AM to 9 PM. Sunday 8 AM to 9 PM.