Former Wilko stores to open as Poundland shops this week

The value retailer struck a deal with administrator PwC and has agreed to take on 71 Wilko store leases across the country, with the first 10 stores opening this week.

The new Poundland stores will be in Stafford, Nelson, Stockport, Eccles, Southport, Maidenhead, Jarrow, Scunthorpe, Barking and Leigh.

Shoppers will be able to find a range of Poundland products in store as well as any existing clearance items from its time as a Wilko store.

The retailer plans to carry out a “full makeover” of these stores in 2024 to become fully operational Poundland shops.

Poundland retail director Darren Kay said: “We’re pleased to be able to reopen so quickly – not least because our ambition is to provide job opportunities for former Wilko colleagues.

“Of course, we’re not yet in a position to offer our fullest ranges in these stores, but we know customers will appreciate a shop that’s open, trading and employing colleagues to one that’s got its shutters closed.

“We’d encourage customers old and new to come and say hello to their new Poundland team from this coming Saturday in each of these 10 locations.”

In a LinkedIn post, the retailer said it is “already recruiting a number of former Wilko colleagues to help us open these stores” and is priortising them for these roles.

The following stores will open on Saturday morning:

• Broad Street, Chell Road, Stafford
• Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, Nelson
• The Peel Centre, Great Portwood Street, Stockport
• The Mall, Church Street, Eccles
• London Street, Southport
• Lord Street, Leigh
• East Street, Barking
• High Street, Maidenhead
• Bede Precinct, Viking Centre, Jarrow
• The Broadway, Scunthorpe