// Pep&Co is axing 30 jobs at its Watford head office as it relocates buying operations to Poland
// It said the majority of roles affected are in the buying department
Poundland‘s clothing arm Pep&Co is axing 30 jobs at its Watford head office as the retailer moves its buying operations to Poland, Drapers reports.
The retailer launched a consultation with 30 employees last month and said the majority of roles affected are in the buying department.
It will transition to one brand for general merchandise and clothing across Pepco Group between now and mid-2024.
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Last week, Poundland revealed it was undergoing a retail expansion programme in 2023, with plans to open at least 50 new stores, adding around half a million square feet in retail space, creating 750-800 new retail roles.
The value giant said its retail expansion programme will support the range revolution that’s taken place at Poundland over the last three years, as it adds whole new categories such as clothing, homewares, and chilled and frozen food to offer customers an alternative to big supermarkets.
A Poundland spokesperson told Drapers: “We announced last year that between now and the middle of 2024 we’ll be transitioning to one brand for clothing and general merchandise right across the group.”
“Following that announcement, last month we embarked on a formal consultation process at our clothing office in Watford covering around 30 roles.”
“While the move to single Pepco brand for clothing and homeware will clearly mean some changes to the buying teams, opportunities will also be created. Whenever there’s change, Poundland has an excellent track record of looking after its people in respect of other opportunities.
“Poundland in the UK and the wider Pepco Group are growing businesses, creating jobs and allowing people to build careers. Only last week we announced the creation of 750-800 retail roles as we transform and grow our store network.”
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