Poundland has confirmed details of 25 shop closures across the UK as the discount retailer battles to revive its fortunes. Those appearing on the list are the first tranche to be closed under the company’s recovery and restructuring plans.
A popular destination for shoppers looking for bargains priced at £1 since it was founded in Burton-on-Trent in 1990, the retailer altered its pricing strategy in 2019. But challenging trading conditions led to the former owner, Pepco, shedding the business in June. The chain was sold for a nominal pound when it was acquired by the US investment firm, Gordon Brothers.
Poundland’s Retail Director, Darren MacDonald, said of the 25 closures: “It is of course, sincerely regrettable that our recovery plans include any store closures, but sadly that’s necessary if we’re to achieve our goal of securing the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores.
“While our anticipated network of around 650-700 stores remains a sizeable one, we entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when one nearby closes.
“Nevertheless, we look forward to continuing to welcome them to a nearby Poundland.”
He added the company is working with affected staff via a formal consultation process, exploring any alternative roles.
Closing on August 10
Ammanford, Carregaman Road
Birmingham Fort, The Fort Shopping Park, Birmingham
Cardiff Valegate, Valegate Retail Park, Cardiff
Cramlington, Manors Walk Shopping Mall
Leicester, Charles Street
Long Eaton, Chapel Street, Notts
Port Glasgow, Gallagher Shopping Park
Seaham, Byron Place
Shrewsbury, Darwin Shopping Centre
Tunbridge Wells, Grosvenor Road
Closing on August 17
Bedford, Midland Road
Bidston Moss, Junction One Retail Park, Wallasey
Broxburn, East Main Street
Craigavon, Rushmere Retail Park, Belfast
Dartmouth, Victoria Road
East Dulwich, Lordship Lane
Falmouth, Market Street
Hull St Andrews, St Andrews Retail Park
Newtownabbey, Longwood Retail Park
Perth, St Catherine’s Retail Park
Poole, Falkland Square, The Dolphin Centre
Sunderland, Pallion Retail Park
Stafford, Queens Retail Park, Old Rickerscote Lane
Thornaby, Pavillion Shopping Centre
Worcester, High Street
The 25 shops closures are part of Poundland’s plan published in June to close 68 stores. Of the 43 remaining, three have closed already: Swiss Cottage, Chiswick and Southampton West Quay.
Barry Williams, Poundland’s managing director, has already acknowledged there is “much work to do” in order to get the business back on track.
He said in June that while Poundland remains a strong brand its performance had fallen short of the firm’s high standards. Mr Williams has emphasised the need for action to get the business growing again.
Mr Williams said it was regrettable stores and distribution centres had to close, but it was necessary to safeguard thousands of jobs and hundreds of shops.
Poundland employs about 16,000 people and serves about 20 million customers per year. The company has said its store numbers will drop from around 800 to about 650-700 under its restructuring plan.