Poundland is closing 49 stores across the UK over the next five weeks, with 10 branches shutting their doors for good today, as part of a major restructuring under its new owners.
US investment firm Gordon Brothers, which bought the discount retailer from Polish parent Pepco Group in June for a nominal £1, is cutting almost 70 stores from Poundland’s 800-strong network by mid-October. Three locations have already closed, leaving 16 more to be confirmed later this year.
The closures begin today with stores in Ammanford, Birmingham Fort, Cardiff Valegate, Cramlington, Leicester, Long Eaton, Port Glasgow, Seaham, Shrewsbury and Tunbridge Wells. Fifteen more will shut on 17 August, followed by 12 on 24 August, and 11 on 31 August. The final of this wave – in Irvine, North Ayrshire – will close on 14 September.
Poundland retail director Darren MacDonald said the aim was to maintain a “sizeable” network of 650–700 stores, but acknowledged the closures would be “sincerely regrettable” for customers. Staff in affected stores are in consultation, with redeployment options being explored.
The restructuring plan includes rent negotiations at some locations, closure of the frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year, and the closure of the Bilston, West Midlands distribution hub by early 2026. Frozen products will be dropped entirely and chilled food ranges reduced.
Online sales will also end, while the retailer plans to expand its womenswear and seasonal product ranges. These changes still require High Court approval later this month.
Poundland has struggled with falling sales, posting a 6.5% drop in revenue to £830m in the six months to March. Pepco blamed “highly challenging trading conditions” across all categories.
Stores closing 17 August
Bedford, Bidston Moss, Broxburn, Craigavon, Dartmouth, East Dulwich, Falmouth, Hull St Andrews, Newtonabbey, Perth, Poole, Sunderland, Stafford, Thornaby and Worcester.
Stores closing 24 August
Brigg, Canterbury, Coventry, Newcastle, Kings Heath, Peterborough, Peterlee, Rainham, Salford, Sheldon, Wells and Whitechapel.
Stores closing 31 August
Blackburn, Cookstown, Erdington, Kimberley, Horsham, Hull Holderness, Kettering, Omagh, Shepherds Bush, Southport and Taunton.