Poundland has so far hired 962 former Wilko staff in 70 days after it acquired several former Wilko sites.
In the 64 Wilko locations Poundland has reopened, 826 ex-Wilko colleagues have joined on hourly paid contracts, 122 have become store managers or assistant store managers, and 14 have joined Poundland’s main customer support centre in Walsall.
The value retailer will offer further job opportunities to former Wilko staff as it “secures more leases” on previous Wilko sites.
The new Poundland stores will be given “additional makeovers” where needed next year and the retailer has already started to develop the offer in those already open.
Chilled and frozen food has been introduced to 18 previous Wilko shops.
All new Poundland stores feature the latest Pepco family clothing ranges from lifestyle and athleisure brands, with a significant increase in space dedicated to baby and kidswear.
In the run-up to Christmas, the retailer has recruited 1,200 temporary staff to work in stores across the UK and Ireland with some roles ending on Christmas Eve and some extended until early January.
Poundland people director Simon Wells said: “I want to thank the Poundland team for their extraordinary efforts in making so many roles available, so quickly, to those affected by the administration of Wilko.
“We know by keeping our promise to reopen former Wilko stores in such numbers, and at such pace, we’ve made a big difference to hundreds of people.
“We’re incredibly proud that so many former Wilko team members have chosen to continue their careers here at Poundland.”
Poundland expects to open new stores in former Wilko units in 2024, expanding beyond the 71 leases it obtained in September.
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