Poundland is weathering the storm on the high street to open five new stores on 5 December on what it is calling “Super Saturday”.

Opening in time for the run-up to Christmas, the new stores will jointly employ 105 colleagues.

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The stores in Ashton-under-Lyne, Colwyn Bay, Dungannon, Grantham and Sutton-in-Ashfield, are among the first of 45 new stores planned for the UK and Ireland over the next 12 months in an investment of more than £15 million.

At a time of unprecedented pressure on the retail sector, Poundland is committed to opening more stores in town centres and retail parks as it plays a vital role as an essential retailer to communities across the country.

Poundland retail director Austin Cooke said: “We’re very proud to be opening our new stores on Super Saturday. It’s another landmark in Poundland’s transformation.

“Like everyone though, we’re extremely sad to see the news about the serious problems facing some of the best known names on the high street. These are our neighbours and, whilst we might be rivals, we need a thriving retail sector to maintain healthy and vibrant town centres.

“Retail is facing another phase in its development and what we see on high streets today won’t be the same tomorrow – but we are clear on what our customers want and need, and are continuing to bring our exciting proposition to new locations almost by the week.”

The openings come as a Channel 4 TV documentary, “Inside Poundland: Secrets from the Shop Floor”, is due to broadcast on Monday 7 December following Poundland’s transformation plans including new stores, relocations, refits and extended ranges.

The new stores are:

  • Ashton-under-Lyne, Warrington Street, Greater Manchester (relocation)
  • Dungannon, The Oaks Centre
  • Colwyn Bay, Sea View Road, North Wales
  • Grantham, Augustin Retail Park, Lincolnshire
  • Sutton-in-Ashfield Retail Park, Nottinghamshire.

All the new stores will have PEP&CO clothing and homeware. Ashton-under-Lyne, Grantham and Sutton-in-Ashfield will also be part of the chilled and frozen food rollout, known internally as Project Diamond Ice, which will have reached 119 stores by Christmas.

In Ireland, Poundland trades as Dealz which is opening a new store at Belgard Retail Park in Tallaght, Dublin, on 5 December.

Poundland has recruited 940 temporary colleagues across its estate in time to serve customers this Christmas.

Like all Poundland stores, the new stores will operate to the highest standards of hygiene and safety, including barrier screens at checkouts and thorough cleaning regimes applied across the day. Customers are asked to observe official guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks.