British variety store chain Poundland is planning to open 20 new locations in stores formerly owned by Poundworld.
As part of the plan, the first phase will see the company open in locations at Cameron Toll, Edinburgh; Killingworth, Tyne & Wear; East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire; and Ayr, Ayrshire.
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The remaining will re-open in October, creating more than 400 jobs.
The retailer will offer its PEP&CO fashion brand in eight of the new locations, including East Kilbride and Ayr.
Poundland UK and Ireland’s managing director Barry Williams said: “We’re trading strongly and stores with a PEP&CO fashion store are a hit with customers.
“That’s why we’re keen to find larger sites that enable us to bring our widest ranges to more high streets across the country.
“However, we can only do this if landlords really change their expectations about the total cost of occupation to reflect the new realities of UK retail.”
Established in 1990, Poundland currently operates around 850 stores in the UK and Ireland.
It offers a range of private label products featuring 1,000 brands in 17 shopping categories such as food and drink, health and beauty, household, gardening, DIY, pet, stationery, books, DVDs and toys.
The retailer has 18,000 employees and serves more than seven million customers every week.
