Jobs saved as 10 more ex-Wilko stores reopen their doors as Poundland

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Ten more ex-Wilko stores will open their doors as Poundland on Saturday, October 7.

Poundland Wilko

Poundland has rebranded ex-Wilko sites across the UK

Following on from the first 10 former Wilko stores opening on September 30, Poundland is set to open new stores in Brigg, Chepstow, Ellesmere Port, Ferndown, Matlock, Melton Mowbray, Nottingham, Pontypool, Redruth and Worcester this Saturday (October 7).

Each new store will be equipped with grocery, household and general merchandise, as well as its Pep brand clothing being rolled out across more than 500 Poundland stores in the UK and Ireland.

The clothing range will see more kidswear and new licensed products, including Harry Potter, Gremlins, Tom and Jerry, the Moomins, Disney, Warner and Star Wars ranges.

Poundland managing director Austin Cooke said: “Our people make Poundland special and last week they did an amazing job to turn ex-Wilko stores into brand new Poundlands in just six day. The size and scale of what they’ve achieved has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“They worked hard because we meant what we said about moving quickly to create jobs for Wilko colleagues. That’s why we’ll pull out all the stops to repeat that feat and open another 10 stores this weekend.

“And while it will take a little time to get the converted Wilkos quite as we’d like, by opening swiftly we’re protecting jobs, adding amazing value to the high street, and putting more stores and products closer to our customers when they need it most.”

Over 200 job offers have been made to former Wilko staff so far, plus 1,200 temporary seasonal roles across the country.

The company plans to carry out a “fuller makeover” of converted Wilko stores into “fully operational Poundlands” in 2024.

The following stores will open at the weekend: