Poundland Closes Nine Former Wilko Stores
Poundland is closing nine former Wilko stores, just months after acquiring and opening them. The move is part of the company’s ongoing review of its store portfolio, according to a spokesperson. Some of the affected stores include those in Hillsborough, Nelson, Stafford, and Stortford. Staff at these sites have been offered positions in neighboring locations.
In Stafford, a new ‘destination’ Poundland has opened in a nearby retail park, replacing the previous store. Additionally, a shopping center redevelopment project necessitated the closure of stores in Nelson, Lancashire.
The Bradfield Road store in Hillsborough closed on April 20, and the Jackson Square Stortford location will close on May 4, according to local sources. Poundland purchased 71 Wilko stores last year after the chain entered administration, and many of these locations were rebranded and opened under the Poundland banner before Christmas.
Following the closures, the number of former Wilko stores operating as Poundland will be reduced to 55. Poundland’s store portfolio is continuously evaluated. The spokesperson stated that this review resulted in the decision to close these particular locations.
Overall, Poundland has expanded its store count to 873 by adding 50 new locations in the three months leading up to December 31, 2023. However, the number of stores has slightly decreased to 864 in the first few months of 2023. During the same period, rival discount retailer B&M purchased 51 stores for £13 million and converted them into their own brand.
The closures may have a significant impact on staff, who may have experienced two major workplace changes in the past eight months. Poundland has prioritized placing former Wilko employees in roles at the stores when possible.
The Mirror has reached out to Poundland for further comment.
