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Countdown to opening of new Poundland store for Bishop’s Stortford




A new Poundland store will open in Bishop’s Stortford’s former Wilko branch on Saturday (October 21).

The discount retailer has confirmed its acquisition of the Jackson Square premises vacated on Thursday October 5, when Wilko shut its doors after 26 years in the town.

The shop is one of nine former Wilkos opening on Saturday as part of a rapid expansion programme by Poundland.

Wilko in Jackson Square, Bishop's Stortford
Wilko in Jackson Square, Bishop's Stortford

Along with Brentwood, Altrincham, Worksop, West Ealing, Wembley, Sale, Seaham and Selly Oak, it brings the total of former Wilko stores now trading as Poundland to 37.

Poundland previously operated in Stortford from premises in South Street. It followed 99p Stores as the occupant of the former Sainsbury’s store in the mid-2010s before B&M opened in February 2018.

Poundland’s retail director Darren Kay said: “We’re proud that to date we’re the only retailer that’s delivered on its promise to reopen Wilko stores and offer roles to their people.

Former Poundland in South Street, Bishop's Stortford - now the home of discount rival B&M Stores
Former Poundland in South Street, Bishop's Stortford - now the home of discount rival B&M Stores

“In four short weeks we’ll have opened 37 Wilko stores – an amazing achievement by hundreds of colleagues right across our Poundland business.

“The team that’s making this happen are part of something very special – protecting jobs, keeping high streets alive and serving many new communities.

“I’d like to thank them for all the hard work that’s making sure these former Wilko stores begin their new Poundland journeys in such good shape.

“While more extensive refits will be scheduled for the new year, we look forward to welcoming customers old and new to their new stores this weekend.”

Former Wilko staff have had priority when applying for Poundland roles. The Stortford store had 25 workers when it shut, down from 50 in its heyday.

Since opening its first store in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, in 1990, Poundland has built a network of more than 800 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with around 18,000 colleagues.

The shops offer over 1,000 well-known brands in 17 shopping categories including food and drink, health and beauty, household, gardening, DIY, pet, stationery, books, DVDs and toys.

Poundland has also rolled out Pep clothing to over 500 of its larger stores, offering family fashion, and the Bishop’s Stortford branch will carry this line.

The brand, part of the Pepco Group, also sells chilled and frozen food in over 450 stores, following its acquisition of Fultons Foods and an investment of £25m.



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