Resort traders concerned at retail giant's store takeover

Mark Branagan

THE move to Scarborough of Midlands-based retail giant Poundland as part of its take over of a number of former Woolworth stores has come under fire from traders.

Scarborough Chamber of Trade secretary Chris Bostock has given a lukewarm response to the idea even if it does keep a prime town centre site warm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “From my point of view, it is always better to have a site occupied rather than being empty and derelict and so in that respect, Poundland moving into the old Woolworths store must be welcomed.

“We are of course not the only town to have a proliferation of this type of shop; it is a consequence of the economic climate over the last decade.”

He argued one of the town’s retailing strengths was the variety of shops, which included many independent and specialist traders, rather than just the big names of the High Street.

He added: “In a town striving to better itself, creating an ambience of quality under a renaissance umbrella, this is a step backwards. We should be aiming higher.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The move will be discussed at the next meeting of the chamber – which has 90 members – on Tuesday February 2 at 6.15pm at the Town Centre Management office on Falconer’s Road.

Poundland, Europe’s largest single-price discount retailer, has bought several ex-Woolworth stores and employed many former employees as it continues to buck the trend and forges ahead with its new store expansion plans.

The retailer has committed to opening at least 30 new stores in the UK over this financial year, creating more than 1,500 new jobs. Twelve of the new stores are former Woolworths stores and further purchases are in negotiation.

Stores have already opened as Poundland in Barrow-in-Furness, Tooting and East Ham and over 100 ex-Woolworths staff have been recruited, including approximately 20 appointed to management positions since January.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chief executive Jim McCarthy commented: “It is fantastic news that Poundland has filled the Woolworths’ gap. We are proud to have been able to offer employment to so many ex-Woolworths staff who bring great experience to Poundland.”