Poundland Announces 12 More Store Closures Including Second Somerset Location

Poundland, the leading discount retail chain, has revealed the next phase of its store closure plan, confirming that 12 additional shops will close, including a second Somerset location in Taunton. This follows the recent announcement of the closure of the Wells store, which will shut its doors on Sunday, August 24. The Taunton branch on North Street will close a week later, on Sunday, August 31.

These closures are part of Poundland’s ongoing restructuring and recovery strategy, designed to address sustained underperformance and ensure the company’s future financial sustainability. Since launching this plan in June, Poundland has committed to closing approximately 68 stores, reducing its total number of outlets from around 800 to an estimated 650-700.

The company has already notified staff at the newly announced closures about the forthcoming changes. Poundland Retail Director Darren MacDonald emphasized that while these closures may disappoint local customers, the brand remains committed to supporting employees through consultations and exploring alternative roles within the company.

The restructuring process, which is court-approved and applies across the UK, excludes Poundland’s operations under the Dealz brand in the Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man. The closures also do not impact trade suppliers in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

Alongside Somerset, Poundland has pinpointed stores across the UK for closure, including locations in Birmingham, Blackburn, Cookstown, Kimberley, Omagh, Horsham, Hull, Irvine, Kettering, Shepherds Bush, and Southport. The announced closures are scheduled throughout August, with specific dates and locations confirmed for many including major retail parks and shopping centres nationwide.

This strategic retreat seeks to stabilize Poundland’s business, safeguard thousands of jobs in remaining stores, and reposition the retailer for sustained growth in a challenging retail environment.