'Another empty store' shoppers cry as discount retailer closes the former Wilko store
A POPULAR discount retailer has closed a former Wilko store just four months after taking over the site.
Poundland bought 71 ex-Wilko stores last year when the retailer went bankrupt.
The discounter quickly changed locations and opened many of the stores under its own brand before Christmas.
However, it has just announced it is closing its Ellesmere Port location on February 11.
A Poundland spokesperson said: “The Ellesmere Port store has unfortunately failed to meet our trading expectations despite all our efforts.
“While we know how disappointing this will be for colleagues, we expect to be able to find employment for them in nearby stores such as Bromborough and Chester.”
The store closed on September 17, 2023 under the name Wilko and reopened less than a month later under the name Poundland.
Locals have taken to social media to express their views on the shock closure.
One person said: “Another empty shop.”
Another added: “There won't be any left soon, such a shame.”
While a third commented: “They should put a Primark or TK Maxx in there that would do well.”
It comes just days after Poundland confirmed it would also close its branch in Galashiels, Scotland.
Locals have called the closure 'absolutely ridiculous' and described the store as 'great for those on a budget'.
Poundland said of Galashiels' closure that it was as “disappointed as colleagues and customers”.
Elsewhere, the retailer is set to shutter its site in the Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Ipswich.
However, shoppers were relieved after the popular discounter, which has more than 800 stores in Britain, negotiated a new deal with the landlord and revealed it would stay put.
Poundland closed its store in Colwyn Bay, Wales, on January 5 and another branch in Basingstoke on December 31.
Further closures also took place for the discounter in 2023, here is the full list:
- Bolton – closed August 22
- Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire – closed June 11
- King's Lynn, Norfolk – closed June 2
- Gateshead – closed May 25
- Festival Park, Stoke – closed May 19
- Dewsbury – closed May 17
- Swadlincote – closed April 25
- Epsom – closed March 29
- Lime Square, Openshaw – closed March 27
- Ipswich – closed on March 11
- Southport – closed on March 3
- Walkden – closed on February 28
Despite this, the retailer has achieved success in most of the locations it acquired from Wiko last year.
In December, Poundland boss Austin Cooke said the retailer had experienced “great” trading at the acquired former Wilko sites.
He said: “You can't deny that times are tough for many and the cost of living is having an impact, but it just gives us more and more reason to provide excellent value.”
Other changes to the main streets
The face of the high street has changed rapidly in recent years, with some of the biggest names in retail closing their stores.
A combination of rising rents and the cost of living has left both consumers and retailers feeling the pinch.
In addition to Wilko, other retailers, such as the popular stationary brand Paperchase, also disappeared from the shopping streets.
Meanwhile, pharmacy chain Boots began to look at its portfolio and close some locations, as did Marks and Spencer.
It's not all bad news though, as M&S has opened a number of new stores in locations including Leeds and Liverpool.
Supermarket chain Asda is also on track to open a further 1,000 branches in Britain and Northern Ireland by March this year.
The Fraser Group also recently confirmed it will open another 'new concept' store amid store closures.
Mike Ashley's retail giant has announced it will take over the former John Lewis site in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury's recently announced it is making a host of changes to its range and Argos stores.