05-07-2025
Poundland confirms another branch is shutting its doors in weeks – see full list of shops closing
POUNDLAND has confirmed another branch is closing its doors for good in just weeks.
The bargain retailer is pulling down the shutters after more than 15 years on a Kent high street.
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Poundland bosses say their branch on St George's Street in Canterbury city centre will close on July 23.
The store replaced Woolworths following the retailers closure in December 2008.
But Poundland says it has been unable to "secure a long-term lease" at the site which would enable it to continue trading.
A spokesperson for the brand confirmed the store was closing this month.
They said: 'We recently made it clear that over time, Poundland expects to have a store network of around 650-700 stores in the UK & Ireland compared to about 800 today.
'While that that remains a very sizeable number of stores, we know how disappointing it is for customers when a location like Canterbury closes.
'It goes without saying that we will formally consult with colleagues at the store and that work is underway.'
Canterbury has a second Poundland store at Marshwood Close Retail Park but there are rumours this branch will also close in the coming months.
Local residents expressed their disappointment on the Canterbury Residents Group on Facebook, under the impression that both branches will be shutting for good.
One disappointed customer said: "Really sad to hear both our Poundland stores are closing, it's been my go to place for pet bits since we lost Wilko's.
"Absolutely wonderful staff in the High Street one, hope they all find alternative work soon."
"That's so rubbish, Poundland is such a gem, we don't really have any other shops like it in town," said another.
When asked to about the potential closure at Marshwood Close Retail Park, a spokesperson for Poundland said no announcement has been made.
It comes as the company is set to close its store in Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Dudley, on July 18.
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In addition, two more closures are expected in the coming weeks with the site in Cowes, Isle of Wight closing on July 30 and another in Newquay on August 1.
Poundland has already closed 16 stores across the UK since March last year, including in Macclesfield, Maidenhead and Flint.
What's happening to Poundland?
Poundland has confirmed plans to shut 68 stores, with a further 150 at risk of closure, separate to the 19 shops mentioned above.
It comes after the struggling chain was sold for just £1 to investment fund Gordon Brothers last month.
Poundland will continue to be headed up by chief executive officer Barry Williams under the new ownership.
Gordon Brothers has also proposed to negotiate rent reductions at a number of other locations. Meanwhile, it has also proposed:
Getting rid of frozen food products at all stores where they're currently sold
Reducing the number of chilled food items sold
Closing its frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year
Closing its national distribution centre in Bilston, West Midlands, in early 2026
No longer selling products on its website
Providing more womenswear and seasonal ranges
Gordon Brothers, the ex-owner of Laura Ashley, has agreed to provide up to £80million in financing to Poundland as part of the deal it struck last month.
The retail chain had previously been owned by Polish company Pepco Group since 2016.
But the group put Poundland up for auction in March as it looked to offload the brand.
The move followed weak financial results, with revenues dropping by 6.5% to £830million for the six months to March compared with a year earlier.
Pepco had blamed "highly challenging trading conditions" for the fall in sales.
What Poundland stores have closed?
Find a list of the Poundland stores that have closed below:
Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast – closed March 2024
Macclesfield – closed August, 2024
Maidenhead – closed October, 2024
Sutton Coldfield – closed October, 2024
Clapham Junction Station, London – closed May 2
Belle Vale Shopping Centre, Liverpool – closed May 6
St George's Centre, Gravesend – closed May 8
Southwark Park Road – closed May 14
Copdock Mill Interchange, Ipswich – closed May 20
Brackla, Wales – closed May 24
Chiswick High Road – closed May 28
Filton Abbeywood – closed May 31
Surrey Quays – closed June 11
Barrow Dalton Road - closed June 12
Union Gate, Bristol - closed June 20
Flint - closed June 21
Canterbury - closing on July 23
Newquay - closing on July 30
Cowes, Isle of Wight – closing July 30
Newquay - August 1
