Discounters took more than one million sq ft of space in out-of-town retail parks in 2011, a new report has revealed.

Discounters and fixed price retailers have become a key fixture of UK high streets since the credit crunch hit in 2008. But research by property analysts Trevor Wood Associates found they are spreading out of town at a similar rate, led by independent pound shop, Poundworld.

According to the report, Home Bargains, B&M Bargains and Poundworld were second only to DIY giant B&Q when it came to taking retail park space in 2011.

B&M Bargains increased retail park floorspace by 33% in 2011 following its acquisition of homewares chain Opus in 2010. Nearly a third of its 280 stores are now based out of town.

Home Bargains increased its out of town presence by 56%, with 67 of its 270 stores now out of town. However, the biggest growth came from Poundworld, which grew its out-of-town stores by 204%. It added 260,000 sq ft of retail park space in 2011 and now has 48 of its 165 stores in retail parks.

Poundworld’s rate of growth was boosted because the numbers include its sister fascia Discount UK, which sells multi-priced items. The fascia was launched in October last year but has already grown to over 30 stores. Poundworld expects store numbers to hit 50 by the end of the year. It is also trialling a new concept where it combines both fascias in a single store. At the trial stores, Poundworld occupies two-thirds of the store with the rest devoted to Discount UK, where the range starts from £1.29.

Overall, Poundworld increased store numbers by 33% last year, boosted sales by 42% and profits by 342%. “The demand from budget retailers means the out-of-town market remains in general good health,” added Trevor Wood.

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