// Poundland to reopen stores and create new jobs
// Over 400 jobs created in 2020/21 with at least 250 more expected by September
// Poundland will reopen 43 stores on April 12 in England, Wales & the Republic of Ireland
Poundland has announced it is ready to reopen and create new jobs in an effort to support the UK’s recovery.
The discount retailer has transformed stores over the past year while shoppers stayed home.
Poundland said 55 of its “hibernating” stores in England & Wales are set to reopen next week.
READ MORE: Poundland saves 36% costs after renegotiating 180 leases
It has created over 400 jobs created in 2020/21 with at least 250 more expected by September.
The retailer plans to open 25 to 30 Poundland & Dealz stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland over the 12 months to September 30.
As an essential retailer, the majority of Poundland stores have remained open throughout lockdown.
Over 130 of its stores now have chilled and frozen food with the ranges set to be added to new locations over the coming months, including stores in Northern Ireland for the first time.
Launching this week in every store is an extended grocery range with more of day-to-day brands such as Nutella, Marmite and Old El Paso.
Poundland also confirmed it is pressing ahead with the £25 million 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.
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.
“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,” Poundland managing director Barry Williams said.
“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.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
