We believe in keeping our colleagues fully informed. So for all the latest news about Poundland’s continuing success story, check out the stories on this page.
POUNDLAND SEES PROFITS INCREASE BY 47%
1 June 2009
Willenhall, West Midlands: Poundland, Europe’s largest single price discount retailer has announced results for the financial year ending 29 March 2009. Trading figures demonstrate strong and sustained growth, bucking the trend currently experienced by many retailers.
Highlights for year ending 29 March 2009
- Operating profit of £11.8 million - up 47per cent.(2007/8 £8 million)
- EBITDA of £20 million – up 27per cent. (2007/8 £15.7 million)
- Like for like sales up 2.1per cent
- 41 new stores opened
Chief Executive Jim McCarthy commented: “Consumers are having a tough time at the moment. Having a single price strategy is a big benefit, as it means they can budget easily as they shop. “With over 800 top brands available in store, we are adding brands such as Maxwell House, Kelloggs, Heinz, Pampers and Mr Muscle. We will continue to add to these fantastic lines, offering amazing value at £1.”
“We will also continue to grow our store estate significantly during 2009/10 and foresee the total number of stores at 250 by the end of 2009/10. We have also helped to mitigate some of the Woolworth closures this year, taking on 150 ex-Woolworth’s staff and plan to open a significant number of ex-Woolworths retail units during the coming year.”
Poundland currently employs over 6,500 colleagues and now has 212 stores nationwide.
POUNDLAND PARTNERSHIP BOOSTS JOBS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
12 May 2009
A pioneering partnership has been signed which will lead to more people with disabilities and health conditions getting jobs with leading retailer Poundland throughout its rapidly growing network of UK stores.
The national agreement between Poundland, Jobcentre Plus and Remploy, which provides specialist employment services for people who experience complex barriers to work, was signed at Poundland’s head office in Willenhall by Head of HR Sonia Sharples, Head of Employer Engagement at Jobcentre Plus Sue Veszpremi and Remploy’s Operations Director Craig Lewis.
Poundland has provided jobs for 41 Remploy candidates in the last year alone and the agreement underlines its commitment to increase this even further, aiming for 100 new colleagues recruited through Remploy by 2010. The retailer has seen sales soar during the economic downturn, with an increase of 23% on last year’s figures, and has opened 42 new stores over the past 12 months.
“This agreement represents real opportunities and real second chances for people who are disadvantaged or who have a disability or health condition”, said Craig Lewis. “At Remploy and Jobcentre Plus, we work with the most diverse selection of people and we can achieve the best results when we work together.
“We are forming really good partnerships with more employers which are about us understanding the work we can do with them and affirming that the candidate’s journey doesn’t end when they start work.”
Sonia Sharples commented: “As an employer, Poundland is ideally placed to assist people into the workplace, provide them with an enjoyable role and hopefully a sustainable career in retail.”
POUNDLAND SNAPS UP EX-WOOLIES STORES AND STAFF
22 April 2009
Poundland, Europe’s largest single price discount retailer, has bought several ex-Woolworths stores and employed many former employees as it continues to buck the trend and forges ahead with its new store expansion plans.
The retailer has committed to opening at least 30 new stores in the UK over this financial year, creating more than 1,500 new jobs. Twelve of the new stores are former Woolworths stores and further purchases are in negotiation.
Stores have already opened as Poundland in Barrow-in-Furness, Tooting and East Ham and over 100 ex-Woolworths staff have been recruited, including approximately 20 appointed to management positions since January.
One new colleague joined Poundland after 45 years at the Barrow-in-Furness Woolworths and now meets many shoppers that have turned to Poundland for their everyday essentials and top branded items since the local Woolworths closed.
Chief Executive Jim McCarthy commented: “It is fantastic news that Poundland has filled the Woolworths’ gap in a number of product categories and by offering shoppers amazing value on essential household products with a single price point of just £1. We are proud to have been able to offer employment to so many ex-Woolworths staff who bring great experience to Poundland.”
Ex-Woolworths stores opening as Poundland include Kings Heath in Birmingham, Blyth, Wallasey, Farnborough, Airdrie, Glasgow, Alloa, Peckham and Newport.