Full list of Poundland stores closing for good starting in DAYS – is your local shutting?
Poundland, a household name on British high streets for over 30 years, is facing a fresh wave of store closures that will impact several communities across the UK. With a reputation for providing everyday essentials at unbeatable prices, the discount chain has long held a loyal customer base. But as the retail landscape continues to shift, the company’s parent group, Pepco, has been making some tough decisions.
Poundland Store Closures Begin in May 2025
Three confirmed closures are scheduled before the end of May 2025, with additional locations under threat. The first confirmed casualty is the Clapham Junction branch in London, which will shut its doors permanently on Friday, May 2. Customers were notified via signage in-store, stating:
“We’re closing May 2. Don’t worry, we have another great store in the Southside Shopping Centre near Specsavers.”
Nearby Alternatives Provided
Despite the closure, Poundland has encouraged shoppers to visit nearby branches. A spokesperson said:
“We know how disappointing our closure at Clapham Junction will be to customers and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to our store nearby at the Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth.”
This particular branch had only been open for around three years, having first launched in 2022 inside one of London’s busiest railway stations.
Additional Closures in Liverpool, Brackla, and Gravesend
More closures are scheduled throughout May:
Liverpool (Belle Vale Shopping Centre)
- Closing Date: May 6, 2025
- This busy Liverpudlian location has been a go-to for local shoppers but is now officially marked for closure.
Brackla, Wales
- Closing Date: May 24, 2025
- Customers here have just a few weeks left before the doors shut for good.
St George’s Centre, Gravesend
- Closing Date: To Be Confirmed
- While not yet officially dated, closure has been confirmed by internal sources. Watch this space for updates.
Previous Closures and Ongoing Downsizing
Poundland has already closed several other branches in recent months:
Belfast (Connswater Shopping Centre)
- Closed in March 2025
- The closure followed the centre being placed into receivership, and Poundland was forced to vacate.
Maidenhead, Sutton Coldfield, and Macclesfield
- Maidenhead: Closed in October 2024
- Sutton Coldfield: Closed October 5, 2024
- Macclesfield: Closed August 2024, due to lease negotiation issues
These closures add to the sense that the once-thriving retail chain is undergoing a major transformation — or even a potential retreat from the UK market.
Why Are These Closures Happening?
Retail closures are nothing new, and they can be triggered by a wide range of factors — not always a reflection of financial distress. But in Poundland’s case, there are several overlapping reasons at play.
Strategic Rethink from Parent Company Pepco
In a major announcement, Pepco confirmed it was considering “all strategic options” to separate Poundland from its portfolio. They enlisted advisory firm Teneo to oversee the potential sale of the UK-based discount chain. The Polish-based group is now hinting that it may prioritize operations in more profitable regions such as mainland Europe.
Operating Costs on the Rise
Rising operational costs are putting pressure on many high street retailers, and Poundland is no exception. Key cost drivers include:
- Increased employer national insurance contributions (NICs)
- The rising national minimum wage
- Utility and rent inflation
According to Pepco, these mounting expenses will have a “significant impact” on its profitability.
Poundland’s Financial Decline: The Numbers
The numbers tell a sobering story. Late in 2024, Poundland reported:
- A £641 million drop in profits for the year ending September 2024
- A 9.3% revenue decline in the final quarter of 2024
Executives cited a combination of factors, including sluggish sales, weak market sentiment, and one-off accounting losses. A spokesperson added that much of the loss was due to:
“A non-cash impairment at Poundland that relates to the acquisition of the UK chain in 2016.”
This means the accounting value of the brand has been downgraded due to revised future revenue expectations.
Does This Mean Poundland is in Trouble?
Not necessarily — store closures are common in retail and often strategic. Retailers regularly review their real estate portfolios, and may close underperforming stores, relocate to higher-footfall areas, or reduce overheads. In fact, Poundland has been known to relocate stores rather than eliminate them entirely.
It’s also possible that some closures are a result of lease expirations or landlord negotiations, rather than broader company failings.
Will Poundland Focus More on E-commerce?
Some industry analysts speculate that Poundland could shift focus towards its online presence. The discount retailer has already experimented with e-commerce offerings through platforms like Poundshop.com, which they acquired in 2022.
In the modern retail environment, many legacy brick-and-mortar brands are increasingly looking toward digital-first strategies — especially as shopping habits continue to shift post-pandemic.
What’s Next for Pepco and Poundland?
As Pepco reviews its UK operations, several possible outcomes are on the table:
Sale of Poundland
If Pepco completes a sale, the brand could continue operating under new management with renewed focus. This could bring about further structural changes — or even rejuvenation.
Exit from the UK Market
If a buyer can’t be found, Pepco may choose to wind down Poundland’s UK operations. This would be a massive shift for the UK retail scene, where Poundland has been a staple for over three decades.
Consolidation and Reinvestment
Alternatively, the company may close weaker stores to consolidate resources and reinvest in stronger-performing locations. This is often a strategy used to improve margins and re-establish financial stability.
What You Can Do If Your Local Poundland Is Closing
If your local branch is closing, here are a few tips to make the most of the situation:
Shop the Sales
Closing down sales usually offer deep discounts. Stock up on essentials and non-perishables while prices are slashed.
Find Nearby Locations
Check Poundland’s store locator to find the next closest branch. Many closures are happening in areas where other stores remain open.
Follow Poundland Online
You can stay updated on announcements via the company’s website or official social media channels. They’ll often announce new store openings, online offers, and changes to services.
Final Thoughts
Poundland’s latest round of closures has triggered concern among loyal shoppers, but they don’t necessarily signal the end of the road for the beloved discount chain. As its parent company Pepco evaluates its future direction, the UK retail scene watches with bated breath. Whether this marks the start of a new chapter — or the beginning of the end — remains to be seen.
What’s clear is that Poundland, like many other brick-and-mortar chains, is grappling with major shifts in consumer habits, rising costs, and the ongoing transformation of the high street.
Stay tuned as more developments unfold — and check whether your local store is affected by this latest round of closures.
