Poundland Christmas sales rise by a third

RETAILER Poundland today said Christmas sales were up by a third after it opened more stores and the chain continued to attract new customers.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Jan 2010, 08:32 BST

The Willenhall, West Midlands-based firm plans to open a further eight stores before the end of March, creating 250 jobs, while it is also offering permanent positions to 360 temporary workers who were recruited to help meet demand during the Christmas period.

It currently employs 7,000 people at 254 stores, having opened 49 shops in the period since the start of April.

The new stores meant total sales rose 34.8% in the five weeks to January 3, with the figure excluding additional shop space ahead by 4.4%. The company estimates that it serves 2.5 million customers every week.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said: "The increase in shoppers over Christmas 2009 is yet more proof that Poundland continues to offer both quality and value."

Poundland West Midlands