Poundland Closes 12 More Stores Today as Restructuring Continues

Poundland is set to close another 12 stores across the UK today as part of an ongoing restructuring effort. This decision follows a series of closures that have seen the discount retailer shut down multiple locations in a bid to stabilize its operations. The high street chain, known for offering a wide range of products primarily priced at £1, has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Founded in 1990, Poundland was sold in June 2025 by its previous owner, the Polish firm Pepco Group, to the US investment firm Gordon Brothers for a nominal fee of just £1. Following this acquisition, Gordon Brothers announced plans to inject up to £80 million into the business to facilitate restructuring efforts.

As part of these changes, today’s closures will contribute to a total of nearly 70 store closures expected by mid-October, which represents approximately ten percent of Poundland’s estimated 800 locations. In August alone, 48 branches have been announced for closure, with 25 already shut down earlier this month.

The 12 stores closing today include locations in:

– Brigg, North Lincolnshire
– Canterbury, Kent
– Coventry, West Midlands
– Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
– Kings Heath, Birmingham
– Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
– Peterlee, County Durham
– Rainham, Kent
– Salford, Greater Manchester
– Sheldon, Birmingham
– Wells, Somerset
– Whitechapel, London

In response to the widespread closures, Poundland has initiated a nationwide closing down sale, with prices slashed by up to 75 percent. Retail director Darren MacDonald expressed regret over the closures but emphasized the necessity of these actions to streamline operations and focus on a sustainable future.

He stated, “It is of course, sincerely regrettable that we’re closing a number of stores to allow us to get back on track. We entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when a store nearby closes but we look forward to continuing to welcome them to one of our other locations.” The company is currently engaging in a formal consultation process with employees affected by these closures, exploring potential alternative roles.

The restructuring is not limited to store closures. Gordon Brothers plans to shut down Poundland’s frozen and digital distribution site in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year. Additionally, the national distribution warehouse at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands, is set to close early next year as deliveries will be consolidated into existing distribution centers in Wigan, Greater Manchester, and Harlow, Essex.

In a broader context, the retail sector in the UK is facing significant challenges. In May 2025, Poundland reported a 6.5 percent drop in revenues, equating to €985 million (£830 million) for the six months ending in March, in comparison to the same period in the previous year. The brand has struggled with declining sales across all categories and had already seen 18 net store closures during that timeframe.

Industry experts have warned that the high street is likely to see even more closures in the coming months. Predictions indicate that around 17,350 shops may shut down this year, marking the highest figure since the Centre for Retail Research began tracking this data in 2015. This follows the closure of over 13,000 stores in 2024, reflecting a troubling trend for the retail landscape.

As Poundland navigates this challenging period, managing director Barry Williams stated, “It’s no secret that we have much work to do to get Poundland back on track. While Poundland remains a strong brand, serving over 20 million shoppers each year, our performance for a significant period has fallen short of our high standards and action is needed to enable the business to return to growth.”

While the current restructuring plan entails painful adjustments, both management and staff remain focused on revitalizing the brand and securing the future of thousands of jobs across the UK.