Poundland is set to close three more stores across the UK next month, as the discount retailer's future hangs in the balance.
The closures come as Poundland's parent company, Pepco Group, has put all 825 of its UK stores up for sale.
The Clapham Junction branch in London will be the first to shut its doors permanently on May 2, just three years after opening in 2022.
This will be followed by the Belle Valle shopping centre store in Liverpool, which will cease trading on May 6.
The St George's Centre location in Gravesend, Kent, is also confirmed for closure, though the exact date has not yet been announced.
Signs of a "closing down sale" have already appeared in the Gravesend branch, with shoppers reportedly queuing for half-price deals.
Poundland set to close three more stores in weeks in major blow to high street
Google MapsA sign posted inside the Clapham Junction store reads: "We're closing May 2. Don't worry, we have another great store in the Southside Shopping Centre near Specsavers."
A Poundland spokesperson commented: "We know how disappointing our closure at Clapham Junction will be to customers and we looking forward to welcoming them to our store nearby at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth."
Regarding the Liverpool closure, a spokesperson said the decision came after being served notice on the lease. They added: "We know how disappointing this will be to customers and colleagues.
"Whenever we have to close a store in these circumstances, we do all we can to look for other opportunities for colleagues and that work is now underway."
Pepco Group announced last month that it is exploring "all strategic options" to separate Poundland from its portfolio of brands.
The Polish-based company has enlisted advisory firm Teneo to oversee the potential sale of its UK business.
Poundland set to close three more stores in weeks
POUNDLANDThe move could signal a shift in focus towards Pepco’s more profitable European operations. Rising costs in the UK — including higher national insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage — have added pressure to the business.
A Poundland spokesperson said the company regularly reviews its store portfolio, particularly as leases expire or come up for renewal.
Poundland has confirmed the closure of three UK stores in May:
- Clapham Junction Station, London – Closing on May 2
- Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Liverpool – Closing on May 6
- St George’s Centre, Gravesend, Kent – Closure date TBC
Poundland, a high street staple since 1990, was acquired by Steinhoff International for £610million in 2016. But the retailer has faced mounting financial challenges in recent years.
The company has also faced rising losses from shoplifting
GETTYIn the year to September, profits fell by £641m - a drop largely attributed to a non-cash impairment linked to its 2016 acquisition.
The company has also faced rising losses from shoplifting, with £40m worth of stock stolen in 2023. In response, Poundland announced plans in January to roll out new anti-theft technology.
The closures come amid a wider crisis on Britain’s high streets.
More than 13,000 shops shut down in 2024, a 28 per cent increase on the previous year, and the Centre for Retail Research expects a record 17,350 closures in 2025.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, CRR director, warned the trend is likely to worsen, despite some improvement on previous crisis years.
Other major retailers have also been affected, with Morrisons and Regatta closing stores in recent months.
