Poundland to open or relocate 75 stores over next three months
Discount retailer Poundland has revealed that it intends to open or relocate 75 stores over the three months to the end of December, which it described as the largest quarterly growth programme in its history.
By Greg Wright
Published 25th Oct 2023, 11:57 BST
The programme covers both its existing pipeline of new stores, and the former Wilko stores it has already opened, or plans to open, as new Poundland stores. Wilko hired administrators over the summer after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers. Deals were agreed to sell up to 71 stores to Poundland and up to 51 shops to fellow rival discounter B&M. However, both deals did not include staff.
Austin Cooke, Poundland’s managing director said: "We’re working at this pace because we’re on a mission.”
Poundland said it continues to prioritise former Wilko staff for roles in Poundland. To date, Poundland said it had made offers of employment to more than 500 former Wilko staff.