Poundland Plans 68 UK Store, Two Warehouse Closures

Poundland, the UK discount retailer, plans to close 68 stores and two warehouses in Yorkshire and the West Midlands as part of a major restructuring following its recent takeover by American investment firm Gordon Brothers. The discount chain, sold for £1 by Pepco Group due to a significant downturn in trading, aims to reduce its store count from around 800 to between 650 and 700, while securing rent reductions on additional locations. The company will cease selling frozen food and reduce its chilled food offerings, leading to the closure of its frozen and digital distribution center in Darton later this year and its national distribution center in Bilston by early 2026. Around 350 warehouse jobs are expected to be affected, though the impact on store employees has not been disclosed. Poundland will also discontinue its online sales and loyalty app, focusing instead on in-store offerings such as women's wear and seasonal products. Managing Director Barry Williams emphasized the necessity of these changes to restore the business to growth and secure the future of thousands of jobs despite the regrettable closures.