A prominent budget retailer, Poundland, confirms the closure of seven stores across the UK this February, delivering another setback to high street shoppers.
Recent and Upcoming Closures
Stores in Chichester and Feltham shuttered last Sunday, while Winton in Dorset also closed earlier in the week. Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire followed on February 8. Further closures strike Crayford this week, Nottingham’s Chilwell branch on February 13, and Urmston on February 16.
Reasons Behind the Closures
A Poundland spokesperson explained: “This particular store is closing because we’ve been unable to secure terms that would allow us to keep trading there, not one of the 68 shops we identified for closure in the UK as part of the plan.”
The spokesperson added: “When we provided details about our restructuring and recovery plan, we did confirm that we expect to operate a network of 650 to 700 stores in time, compared to 800 today. Where we can, we’re combining locations where we have two stores into one.”
Operational Changes
Poundland has shuttered its frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, and the national distribution centre at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands. Operations continue at facilities in Wigan and Harlow.
Company Background and Challenges
Founded in 1990 with its first store in Burton upon Trent, Poundland contends with escalating business rates, energy costs, staffing expenses, and intense rivalry from competitors including The Range, B&M, Home Bargains, and Savers.
Full List of February Closures
- Winton, Dorset – February 6 (closed)
- Chichester – February 8 (closed)
- Feltham – February 8 (closed)
- Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland – February 8 (closed)
- Crayford – February 11
- Nottingham (Chilwell) – February 13
- Urmston – February 16
