Poundland is bringing its Local convenience format to London, where the variety discounter says it is particularly keen to establish the concept.
The format, which was first revealed by The Grocer after the retailer trademarked ‘Poundland Local’, is smaller than one of its typical stores, with a range catering for the convenience shopper, including food to go.
The first Poundland Locals opened in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire in May last year, in former Fultons Foods stores following Poundland’s acquisition of the frozen food business the previous autumn.
The next Poundland Local is set to open on 2 July in south London’s Clapham Junction, the first at a high-traffic transport hub. It will be designed so customers can checkout quickly and easily, according to Poundland.
It is to be followed this summer by another branch in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, taking the number of Poundland Local stores to six.
“Poundland is actively looking for other suitable locations particularly inside the M25, where Poundland Local stores can bring convenience shopping to communities,” said a spokesman for the retailer.
He said Poundland Local was designed to “bring convenience shopping to areas not currently served by Poundland”.
He said shoppers would find items they would expect in a convenience store, including fresh fruit & veg, chilled and frozen food, bread, nappies, formula milk and beers, wines & spirits. There are also hot pies and pastries, supplied by Bolton-based bakery chain Poundbakery.
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The Local stores also offer lines from Poundland’s core range, including health & beauty and batteries.
Each Poundland Local typically employs around 12 people.
“Each of the new stores will have a range of items tailored to suit the needs of customers in each neighbourhood, whether they live or work locally,” said Poundland transformation and retail director Austin Cooke.
“In the current economic climate, people are carefully watching how much they spend, and we want them to know that convenience shopping does not have to mean they compromise on value for money.”
Alongside Poundland Local, the business also trademarked ‘Poundland Go’ in April last year. A spokesman said at the time Poundland Locals would be primarily in small towns and close to residential and urban neighbourhoods, while Poundland Go would be a convenience format adjacent to transport hubs. However, the business has yet to reveal further plans for Poundland Go.
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