Shoppers heading into Poundland this week may notice some unusually steep discounts. The retailer has kicked off closing-down sales at 12 of its stores, including its branch in Killingworth, Newcastle, with price cuts of up to 75% on everyday items.
The sales are part of a broader shake-up by Poundland’s parent company, Pepco Group. Currently, the chain has nearly 800 shops across the UK, but this figure is expected to decrease to between 650 and 700 once the restructuring is complete.
It’s not only the high street stores that are changing. Poundland has also discontinued its online shopping trial, which previously offered home delivery, and its loyalty scheme has been paused for now while the company’s plans undergo court approval.
A Poundland spokesperson has stated that the restructure is intended to "create a stronger and more sustainable Poundland", ensuring the business can continue to deliver low-cost essentials. That’s particularly important while household budgets remain stretched by rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Like many other retailers, Poundland has been squeezed by higher rents, energy bills and shifting shopping habits. Discount chains have generally held up better than most, but even they haven’t been immune to the pressure. The closures serve as a reminder that the UK high street is still undergoing a period of change.
For now, shoppers who live near one of the affected branches may want to move quickly. Once the doors close for good, those heavy discounts won’t be around for long.
