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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Why I'll miss Edinburgh's Poundland, even though I've only just visited
Contributed This store might be on its way out soon, so I took a trip Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I didn't know how to react when I heard that the flagging chain, Poundland, was closing up to 150 stores in the UK, after, ironically, selling for £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers. Since I've never been to a branch, I felt sad for the employees, but impassive otherwise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Still, as I have a single pound coin that's been burning a hole in my pocket, I thought it was time to make my inaugural visit. I like a bargain as much as the next woman. Scratch that. I NEED bargains. Let's see what I've been missing. Thus, I head to the Edinburgh Lothian Road store, which is one of four in the Capital and 57 in Scotland. Don't panic, as this shop might not be going anywhere, as it's not yet clear which of their branches will be shutting. My first thought is that this occupies the spot that, many moons ago, was the location for Woolworths and their formidable pic and mix selection. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That destination is so seared into my memory that I feel as if I'm developing a psychosomatic mouth ulcer while reminiscing over their sandpapery-surfaced cola cubes. It's also on the same block as another 'variety store', the independent Ali's Cave, which has been there for 44 years and has also recently announced its closure. Maybe it's a sign of the times. We can blame Amazon, and probably Shein and Temu, too. Anyway, first impressions of Poundland aren't great. It's not quite as forbidding as Count Dracula's castle, but I feel as if I'm channeling my inner Mary Portas, when weighing up the kerb appeal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The window is being used as storage for trolleys full of litre bottles of primary-coloured fizzy pop, rather than a tempting showcase to display their finest objects. As soon as you enter, you're faced with a wall of Pot Noodles. My cryptonite, since I'm probably the only person in the world who isn't a fan of this instant snack. The staff, dressed in the same colours, seem lovely though, with Happy to Help emblazoned on the back of their uniforms. I'm sure they would be, though I might just be browsing today. We'll see. It's definitely a store of the ilk that became popular in the Nineties. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I can see why they might have been shuffled out of the market by stores like Aldi and Lidl. Those retailers are affordable, yes, but they've invested in the store design and usually have muzak playing, and lots of natural light. This place is less of a retail experience, really. Still, once you can see past that, it's really not so bad. It obviously has a fan club. I'm surprised by how many shoppers are here. Since you can't see inside from the street, or the top deck of the number 10 bus, I always assumed it was deserted. On a Tuesday morning, there are at least five browsers, and quite a few at the self checkout. As far as products go, they have SO much. Blame Woolworths flash-backs but I am very much enjoying the sweetie aisle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are no cola-cubes but they do have bags of my present day Achilles heel - Galaxy Minstrels for just £1.50. Get in. And boxes of Maltesers for the same price. If I'd known, I would've got along here earlier. They even have bags of Turkish Delight minis. As the only person in the world who doesn't like instant noodles but does still lovesthese rose-scented chocolate-coated retro delights, I haven't seen these fun sizes anywhere else but here. Also, every type of Haribo and Skittles available under the sun, all for £1 a bag. And a strange sort of sweet called Chooeee. I wonder if they're yumeee or spewee. This area is the best bit. The rest of the store is slightly less inspiring At the back, I get my first look at their own clothing range, Pepco. Everything is bargain basement priced and pretty neutral, apart from the £10 handbag with Minnie Mouse on it, and the t-shirts that are emblazoned with a heart and the words 'Love your self'. Shouldn't that be two words, rather than three? Never mind, the sentiment is there. This would be a good place to get basics, like leggings or tights, and there are loads of colourful kids' clothes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They also sell their own versions of Crocs. Let's call them mock-crocs. There are square holes, rather than round ones, and they're only £4. Not for me, as I wouldn't be seen dead in these colander-like shoes, but I'm in the minority (again). There are seven packs of socks for £3. I don't know if they're 100 per cent cotton or not. They probably are, but , even if not, I'd risk the athlete's foot for 42p per sock. The other aisles sell all manner of homeware on the cheap. There is one that has toothpaste, and stacks of other branded toiletries. Another features garden stuff. Across the shop floor, I find rain ponchos for £1.50, hand-towels for £1.75, padlocks for £1 that may or may not invalidate your home insurance, frozen and fresh food, a water ball catapult for £2, and £3 washing powder. I pick up three of those hand-towels. They've got pet stuff, and a patriotic box of Scott's Porridge Oats for a quid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This store might lack aesthetic value, but it certainly has plenty of redeeming qualities.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
I went to Edinburgh's Poundland for the very first time, and this is what I bought
Contributed This store might be on its way out soon, so I took a trip Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I didn't know how to react when I heard that the flagging chain, Poundland, was closing up to 150 stores in the UK, after, ironically, selling for £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers. Since I've never been to a branch, I felt sad for the employees, but impassive otherwise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Still, as I have a single pound coin that's been burning a hole in my pocket, I thought it was time to make my inaugural visit. This is not going to be a Pulp's Common People-style experience.I am not a Waitrose-ite. Nope, I like a bargain as much as the next woman. Scratch that. I NEED bargains. Thus, I head to the Edinburgh Lothian Road store, which is one of four in the Capital and 57 in Scotland. Don't panic, as this shop might not be going anywhere, as it's not yet clear which of their branches will be shutting. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad My first thought is that this occupies the spot that, many moons ago, was the location for Woolworths and their formidable pic and mix selection. That destination is so seared into my memory that I feel as if I'm developing a psychosomatic mouth ulcer while reminiscing over their sandpapery-surfaced cola cubes. It's also on the same block as another 'variety store', the independent Ali's Cave, which has been there for 44 years and has also recently announced its closure. I AM sad about it's a sign of the times. We can blame Amazon, and probably Shein and Temu, too. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anyway, first impressions of Poundland aren't great. It's as forbidding as Count Dracula's castle. I feel as if I'm channeling my inner Mary Portas, when weighing up the kerb appeal. It doesn't really have any. In fact, this store makes its neighbours - The Futon Company and Superdrug - look like Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason. The cracked window is being used as storage for trolleys full of litre bottles of primary-coloured fizzy pop, rather than a tempting showcase to display their finest objects. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At least they've paid lip service to visual merchandising with a few posters in the window, though they feature lifestyle shots on them that look as if they've been taken on someone's ancient Nokia 7650. Nay, drawn on, using an Etch a Sketch. As soon as you enter, you're faced with a wall of Pot Noodles. My cryptonite. The grey and green branding is also pretty depressing. Concrete and snot. Elephants and frogs. It's just not inspiring. The staff, dressed in the same colours, seem lovely though, with Happy to Help emblazoned on the back of their uniforms. I'm sure they would be, though I might just be browsing today. We'll see. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's definitely a store of the pile-em-high-sell-em-cheap ilk that became popular in the Nineties. I totally see why they've been shuffled out of the market by stores like Aldi and Lidl. Those retailers are affordable, yes, but at least they have muzak playing, and lots of natural light. This place is dingy. It isn't much of a retail experience, really. However, I'm surprised by how many shoppers are here. Since you can't see inside from the street, I assumed it was always deserted. On a Tuesday morning, there are at least five browsers, and a few at the self checkout. As far as products go, they have SO much. Blame Woolworths flash-backs but I am very much enjoying the sweetie aisle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are no cola-cubes but they do have bags of my present day Achilles heel - Galaxy Minstrels for £1.50. Get in. And boxes of Maltesers for the same price. If I'd known, I would've been here earlier. They even have bags of Turkish Delight minis. As the only person in the world who still loves these rose-scented chocolate-coated retro delights, I haven't seen these fun sizes anywhere else but here. Also, every type of Haribo and Skittles available under the sun, all for £1 a bag. And a strange sort of sweet called Chooeee. I wonder if they're yumeee or spewee. This area is the best bit. The rest of the store is a bit meh. At the back, I find their own clothing range, Pepco. Everything is bargain basement priced and pretty neutral, apart from the £10 handbag with Minnie Mouse on it, and the t-shirts that are emblazoned with a heart and the words 'Love your self'. Shouldn't that be two words, rather than three? Never mind, the sentiment is there. They also sell their own versions of Crocs. Let's call them mock-crocs. There are square holes, rather than round ones, and they're £4. There are seven packs of socks for £3. I don't know if they're 100 per cent cotton or not. I'll risk the athlete's foot for 42p per sock. The other aisles sell all manner of homeware. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is one that has toothpaste, and stacks of other branded toiletries. Another features garden stuff. Across the shop floor, I find rain ponchos for £1.50, hand-towels for £1.75, padlocks for £1 that may or may not invalidate your home insurance, frozen and fresh food, a water ball catapult for £2, and £3 washing powder on a row of very empty shelves, with an ominous sign that reads AGAINST RETAIL CRIME in front of the negative spaces. They've got pet stuff, and a patriotic box of Scott's Porridge Oats for a quid. This store might lack aesthetic value, but it certainly has its redeeming qualities.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Poundland founder would have bought business back
The founder of Poundland has said he tried to buy the firm back when he heard it was up for Smith's business venture began on a market stall in Bilston where he sold items for £1, with the first Poundland store opening in Burton-upon-Trent in 1990 and Mr Smith selling his shares in the firm for £250m in business, which currently has 792 stores in the UK and Ireland and employs about 16,000 people, was sold last week to US investment firm Gordon Brothers."I would've liked to have bought it back because I'm still passionate about the people and the concept," Mr Smith said. The businessman, who grew up in Willenhall, said: "I'm proud that 85% of the population have bought something from the shop."I did pick up the phone when I heard it was for sale but I was a bit too late," Mr Smith is also seeking rent reductions from landlords which, together with leases expiring on some stores, could result in about 70 shop closures in the future.A distribution centre at Darton, South Yorkshire, and its national distribution centre at Bilston in the West Midlands have also been earmarked for closure. 'I would've changed the price' Mr Smith, who now lives in Shropshire, admitted he was sad but not entirely surprised at the news of the business needing to restructure. "I'm sorry to hear that Poundland are closing so many stores, it wasn't just me that started the business but the people that worked there."I do think it was inevitable, this was going to happen because I experienced it on the market stall with our prices going from 10p to 20p and so on."Customers are used to the £1 concept but as the price point changes so do our prices."He said while he understood the need for price increases more would have been needed to help support the business, in his opinion."It's still a one prince concept, that's what customers loved and what made Poundland different," he said, "but I would've changed the price point and I think it does need new systems [and] it's important the business get support from their suppliers." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Poundland planning to shut 68 stores in major shake-up – with 82 more at risk over coming years
Dozens of high streets face losing their Poundland stores after the discount retailer yesterday announced a major restructuring plan. The firm is seeking court approval to shut 68 shops and secure rent reductions on others — with a further 82 possibly closing in the coming years. 3 It also plans to close its frozen and digital distribution site at Darton, South Yorks, this year and another warehouse at Springvale in Bilston, West Mids, in early 2026. Around 1,000 shop staff and 350 warehouse workers in the UK will be affected by the restructure, but none in Ireland. Last week, Polish owner Pepco Group sold Poundland to US investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1 after a downturn in trading. Bosses said they expect the court proceedings for the restructuring to conclude in late summer. Poundland MD Barry Williams said: 'It's no secret that we have much work to do to get back on track. 'It's sincerely regrettable this plan includes the closure of stores and distribution centres, but it's necessary if we're to achieve our goal of securing the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores.' Poundland could end up with as few as 650 stores in the UK and Ireland. It also plans to stop selling frozen food in its stores and scale back its chilled range. And shoppers will no longer be able to order its products online. Poundland to be sold for JUST £1 as frontrunner for shock takeover is revealed after wave of store closures 'Interest' in sale of TSB 3 The Spanish parent firm of TSB is considering selling the UK high street bank. In a regulatory filing, Banco Sabadell said it received 'preliminary non-binding expressions of interest for the acquisition of the entire share capital of TSB'. TSB has around 175 UK branches and serves five million customers. Sabadell bought it a decade ago for £1.7billion. It comes amid a flurry of interest in our banking sector, with Metro Bank seeing a takeover approach from Pollen Street Capital, while Santander pushed back bids from NatWest and Barclays. EasyJet strike 3 EasyJet cabin crew in Spain are planning a three-day strike over pay from June 25 — just as the summer holiday season begins. More than 650 USO union members based in Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca could be involved. They claim cabin crew in Spain earn significantly less than counterparts in other European countries. EasyJet insists it will operate flights normally during the strike. Energy compo Energy firm Utilita must pay £277,000 after failing to issue its Warm Home Discount payments on time, Ofgem said yesterday. The scheme gives low-income consumers an automatic payment of £150 a year. The regulator found Utilita failed to pass on the discount to more than 4,000 customers in 2023 and 2024 due to an 'internal error'. It must now pay £247,000 in compensation on top of £30,000 it stumped up earlier.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Poundland to close 68 stores and two warehouses across the UK
Poundland has announced plans to close 68 stores and two UK warehouses as part of a restructuring plan after being sold to investment firm Gordon Brothers. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. High street brand Pounlands has today (June 17) announced plans to close down 68 stores and two warehouses in the UK. It follows the brand's restructuring plan after it was sold to investment firm Gordon Brothers. Poundland has more-than-800 stores and roughly 16,000 employees which have been transferred to the ownership of Gordon Brothers, the former owner of Laura Ashley, as a result of the takeover. The plan was created to help deliver a financially sustainable operating model for the business after it faced an extended period of underperformance. Along with closing 68 stores, Poundland also plans to reduce its chilled food offering and simplifying its online presence. Poundland to close 68 stores across the UK As part of it's plans, Poundland shared what warehouses it plans on closing with the frozen and digital distribution centre at Darton, South Yorkshire later this year and its national distribution centre at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands in early 2026. Discussing the plans, Barry Williams, managing director of Poundland said:'It's no secret that we have much work to do to get Poundland back on track. Recommended reading: 'While Poundland remains a strong brand, serving 20m-plus 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. 'It's sincerely regrettable that this plan includes the closure of stores and distribution centres, but it's necessary if we're to achieve our goal of securing the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores. 'It goes without saying that if our plans are approved, we will do all we can to support colleagues who will be directly affected by the changes.'
