Poundland is accelerating its store closure programme, with eight more shops scheduled to shut their doors this November alone. The budget retailer's sweeping restructuring plan, approved by the High Court, aims to reduce its estate from around 800 to 650-700 stores.
The Full List of Closures
The chain has already closed numerous locations, including stores in Birmingham, Leicester, Tunbridge Wells, Bedford, and Whitechapel in London. A further wave of closures is now imminent.
The stores closing in the coming weeks are:
- Witham – November 12
- Loughborough – November 14
- Sidcup – November 14
- New Malden – November 16
- Peckham – November 20
- Dalston – November 24
- Beeston – November 27
- Launceston – November 29
- Melton Mowbray – December 4
- Droitwich – December 9
- Hempstead Valley – December 31
- Bexhill – January 5, 2026
- Cameron Toll – January 20, 2026
Driving Factors Behind the Restructuring
The drastic measures come after Poundland warned it could run out of money. The company's financial position had significantly deteriorated over the last two years, according to Tom Smith KC, representing Poundland Limited. He cited a difficult retail and economic environment as a key factor.
Poundland was sold for just £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers this summer, following reported losses of about £572 million under its previous owner, the Pepco Group. A further cash injection of £60 million, on top of a previous £30 million, is hoped to save the retailer from collapse.
Darren MacDonald, Poundland’s retail director, expressed regret over the closures but stated they were necessary to secure the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores. The company is working with colleagues in affected stores to explore alternative roles.
Other Major Changes for Shoppers
Beyond physical store closures, Poundland is making significant changes to its services. The retailer has axed its online ordering service and will discontinue its Poundland Perks loyalty programme in January.
Strategically, Gordon Brothers plans to ditch frozen foods and reduce the number of chilled items. Instead, the brand will focus on women’s clothes and seasonal ranges in-store to cut costs. On a positive note for bargain hunters, Poundland is returning to a simple £1, £2, and £3 grocery pricing model in all UK stores.
Not every store earmarked for closure will disappear. One location in Irvine has been granted a reprieve and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
The plight of Poundland reflects a wider trend on the British high street. The Centre for Retail Research predicts that more than 17,000 shops will close this year, up from 13,500 in 2024, with other battered companies including Morrisons, Pizza Hut, and Claire's.
