Poundland set to open 10 stores in former Wilko locations this weekend

Poundland is set to launch its initial batch of stores within former Wilko locations, shortly after the discount retailer closed its doors.

The budget retail chain  is poised to reveal ten recently transformed stores in Stafford, Nelson, Barking, Stockport, Eccles, Leigh, Southport, Maidenhead, Jarrow, and Scunthorpe this Saturday.

This expansion comes after Poundland agreed to take over 71 of Wilko’s store leases, with all these units undergoing conversion into new Poundland stores, with a focus on offering employment opportunities to Wilko team members in these new roles.

Poundland retail director Darren Kay said: “We’re pleased to be able to re-open so quickly – not least because our ambition is to provide job opportunities for former Wilko colleagues .Of course, we’re not yet in a position to offer our fullest ranges in these stores, but we know customers will appreciate a shop that’s open, trading and employing colleagues to one that’s got its shutters closed.

“We’d encourage customers old and new to come and say hello to their new Poundland team from this coming Saturday in each of these 10 locations.”

The retailer has announced plans for a complete transformation of these new stores next year, aiming to make them fully functional Poundland outlets.