Up to 20 larger former Poundworld stores are being acquired by Poundland as it steps up its Pep&Co expansions across England and Scotland.
Eight of the new locations will feature Poundland’s casual, value-focused fashion brand Pep&Co, as well as the retailer’s general merchandise and food offer.
Many of the stores will provide Poundland with an entry site into new towns, or a second site for the brand.
Initial openings in the first phase include Edinburgh, Killingworth, East Kilbride and Ayr, the latter two of which will also include Pep&Co offerings in-store.
“We’re trading strongly and stores with a Pep&Co fashion store are a hit with customers,” said Poundland’s UK and Ireland managing director Barry Williams.
“That’s why we’re keen to find larger sites that enable us to bring our widest ranges to more high streets across the country.”
“However, we can only do this if landlords really change their expectations about the total cost of occupation to reflect the new realities of UK retail,” he added.
Last month Poundland revealed falling sales so far this year, but remained positive about its financial situation in the face of an accounting scandal that wiped off 90 per cent of its South African owner Steinhoff’s market value.
Poundland said it would begin re-opening the doors to its new locations in October, and added that all former Poundworld staff would be offered a guaranteed interview to help fill the 400 jobs created with the new stores.
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