The Poundland store in Oldham town centre is set to close its doors on December 13, 2023, as part of a significant restructuring plan affecting dozens of locations across the United Kingdom. The discount retail chain, which was sold to investment firm Gordon Brothers for just £1 earlier this year, aims to close between 100 and 150 branches nationwide. The announcement of Oldham’s closure comes alongside 31 other locations slated to shut down between December and January.
This decision follows the earlier closure of 57 other Poundland stores, prompting the company to implement clearance sales with discounts of up to 40 per cent in affected branches. Darren MacDonald, Poundland’s UK country manager, expressed understanding of the disappointment felt by customers. He stated, “We know how disappointing it is when we leave a store, but before we close our doors for a final time, we’re determined to say goodbye by offering even more amazing value to customers.”
The impending closure has drawn reactions from the local community, with many expressing sadness and frustration. Some residents believe the closure reflects a broader decline in the town. Local resident David Johnson commented on the store’s current state, noting, “Bare empty shelves, hardly anything left… My commiserations to the staff working there; hopefully, they find another job after this.”
Conversely, another resident, Jasmin, felt the reaction was exaggerated. She quipped, “Relax. If we survived losing Woolworths, we can survive Poundland packing its bags,” humorously suggesting a barter system as a potential solution.
This closure follows a recent episode in which the Oldham branch temporarily shut down due to a dispute with its landlord, Merchant Taylor Commercial. The firm served notice to Poundland in June, threatening to take possession of the store’s contents unless a bailiff fee was paid. The store reopened a week later, just as the initial slate of store closures was announced, which at that time did not include Oldham.
As the closure date approaches, local residents will be watching closely to see what will replace the store. Concerns have been raised about potential new businesses, with some fearing the location might be taken over by a houses in multiple occupation (HMO) or another vape shop, further altering the character of the town centre. The impact of Poundland’s departure from Oldham will likely be felt not just by the customers who frequented the store, but also by the employees who now face uncertainty about their future job prospects.
