Poundland opens first c-store near busy transport hub, in Clapham Junction

Poundland has opened its first convenience store next to a busy transport hub, in London’s Clapham Junction.

Smaller than its typical branches, ‘Poundland Local’ stores have a range catering for the convenience shopper, including food to go.

The Clapham Junction shop – the first Poundland Local in London – has just 2,200 sq ft of sales area, less than half the size of a typical core Poundland store. It opened on 2 July. 

It has more self-checkouts than a typical Poundland, at eight, and a range tailored for rail commuters and tourists as well as local residents, including meal deals.

The Poundland Local range also includes fresh fruit & veg, chilled and frozen food, bread and morning goods, hot pies and pastries, nappies and formula milk, beers, wines and spirits.

The first four Poundland Local convenience stores opened in Yorkshire and Nottingham in May last year. Poundland initially intended to use an alternative banner - Poundland Go - to introduce the format near travel hubs, having trademarked both names. 

Poundland has now decided that “for the moment we’re going to keep using the Poundland Local name while we’re still piloting the format”, a spokesman told The Grocer.

Poundland recently said it was actively looking for other suitable locations, particularly inside the M25.

However, the next Poundland Local opening is set to be in the West Midland’s Sutton Coldfield later this summer.