Poundland has acquired discount etailer Poundshop.com for an undisclosed sum, marking the next step in the retailer’s plan to build a nationwide online presence.

Poundland-online-web-shutterstock

Poundland is planning a nationwide ecommerce rollout 

The acquisition includes the online store’s platform, intellectual property and distribution centre as well as its customer database.

Poundshop.com was set up in 2014 by Steve Smith. Smith, who is currently chair of the business, also founded Poundland in 1990 before selling the business in 2002. 

Both Smith and Poundshop.com’s current chief executive Chris Maddox will now work in an advisory capacity alongside Poundland’s transformation director Austin Cooke, who will be charged with the day-to-day running of the retailer’s online business.

In the immediate term, it will continue trading as Poundshop.com before it is integrated into the Poundland brand and items from Poundland’s ranges will be added to the site.

“This acquisition puts power and pace behind our aspirations to make our amazing products and value available to customers across the UK and Ireland” 

Poundland managing director Barry Williams

Poundshop.com now boasts almost 400,000 customers across the UK, as well as 65 staff members at its head office and distribution centre in Wednesbury, West Midlands. Sales on the website more than doubled in 2021, according to Poundshop.com.

At present, Poundland is offering 7 million consumers in the UK access to its ecommerce trial, with more than 3,000 items for sale online. With this acquisition, it is now planning a national rollout of the service, adding both fashion and homewares. 

It also aims to offer a Dealz online delivery service for customers in the Republic of Ireland.

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said: “It’s great to warmly welcome the Poundshop.com team to Poundland. This acquisition puts power and pace behind our aspirations to make our amazing products and value available to customers across the UK and Ireland, however they choose to shop.

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