In for a penny, in for a Poundland
News that Poundland is to open 45 new stores in the UK and Ireland – with many open and operating before Christmas – is an indicator of the ongoing potential impact of ‘discounter disruption.’
The ‘pile it high, sell it cheap’ mantra, often attributed to Tesco founder Sir John Cohen, indicates that demand for discount is stronger than ever.
In Northern Ireland, Poundland has announced plans to open new stores in Dungannon and Ballymena. It will open a 8,500 sq ft store at the Braidwater Retail Park in Ballymena on November 21.
A 8,750 sq ft store will open at The Oaks Centre in Dungannon on December 5, employing 30 people.
It brings the number of Poundland stores in Northern Ireland to 33. Poundland said the new stores are part of a £15 million expansion plan to open 45 new stores in the next 12 months. There are also plans for new stores south of the border.
Poundland has said it intends to broaden its range of groceries and household products.
Channel 4 Documentary
Channel 4’s documentary ‘Inside Poundland: Secrets from the Shop Floor’, is due to air shortly across the UK.
The documentary will follow Poundland’s transformation plans including new stores, relocations, refits and extended ranges.
The two part series looks at how the discounter is transforming from top-to-bottom, re-fitting its stores and investing millions on new ranges, at a time when many stores are going into administration and the UK’s town centres are full of boarded-up premises.
Will Smith, Executive Producer at programme makers ITN Productions said: “Poundland has a unique culture – a company that likes to do things differently and swim against the tide. It’s an incredible time to be following the company when so many other retailers are having to close their doors.
“We’ve been granted privileged access as Poundland embarks on a major expansion plan and tries to lure customers who may never have walked through its doors before.”
