Poundland set to bring 55 stores out of hibernation
As lockdown restrictions are eased, Willenhall headquartered Poundland is ready to roll out the red carpet by bringing 55 of its stores in England in Wales out of hibernation on April 12 .
The discount retailer says it is ready to continue playing its role in the recovery from the pandemic by opening 25-30 Poundland & Dealz stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland over the 12 months to 30 September 2021.
As an essential retailer, the majority of Poundland stores have remained open throughout lockdown.
Poundland brought 29 stores out of hibernation in February and will now re-open 43 on April 12 in England, Wales & the Republic of Ireland.
Six further stores in Scotland are set to follow later in the month as restrictions are lifted there.
Twelve PEP&CO standalone fashion stores in England & Wales will also re-open next Monday.
Poundland also confirmed today that it is pressing ahead with the £25m transformation programme launched last July, including new store openings and relocations, store revamps and investment in its chilled and frozen food distribution network following the 2020 acquisition of Fultons Foods.
To date, Poundland has created more than 400 new jobs in the current financial year and expects to create at least 250 more by the end of September 2021.
New stores recently opened include Maesteg, Ballymena, Macclesfield and Stratford upon Avon, with new openings and relocations at Armagh Spires Retail Park, Birmingham St Andrews, Aberdeen, Broxburn, Cowes, Cookstown and Arnold.
Barry Williams, Poundland managing director, said: “It is fantastic news that our high street neighbours are preparing to get back to business – not just other retailers but the cafés, gyms and hairdressers who make our town centres the vibrant places people love. We’ve missed you and are pleased you’re coming back.
“We know too that many will be making their first tentative steps back into their town centres after being away for some time – we can’t wait to welcome them and say hello. Come see how we’ve changed.
“We’re cracking on with our transformation programme and our investment in new stores, refurbishments, new ranges and distribution. With the challenges faced by high streets, that’s good news for our customers, our colleagues and our communities.”
