The Poundland store located in Oldham town centre will officially close its doors on December 13, 2023. This closure is part of a broader restructuring initiative that will see the discount retail chain shut down between 100 and 150 branches across the United Kingdom. The company was acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for just £1 earlier this year, and the decision to close Oldham is among the latest wave of store shutdowns impacting 32 locations, with additional closures planned for January.
The announcement follows a series of earlier closures, with 57 Poundland outlets already having ceased operations this year. As a result, the remaining branches have initiated clearance sales, offering discounts of up to 40 percent to clear existing stock before they shut down permanently.
Darren MacDonald, Poundland’s UK country manager, expressed regret over the closures, stating, “We know how disappointing it is when we leave a store, but before we close our doors for a final time, we’re determined to say goodbye by offering even more amazing value to customers.” He emphasized that the special reductions would help them exit locations with pride.
The impending closure has sparked a wave of sadness and concern among local residents. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with some calling it a “sign of the town’s decline.” Local resident David Johnson lamented the situation, noting the store’s “bare empty shelves” and wishing the staff well in their future job searches.
In contrast, another resident, Jasmin, downplayed the significance of the closure. She remarked, “Relax. If we survived losing Woolworths, we can survive Poundland packing its bags,” humorously suggesting that the community could revert to bartering for goods, quipping, “Two Freddos for a loaf, anyone?”
The decision to close the Oldham store comes on the heels of a previous disruption earlier this year, when the branch was unexpectedly closed due to a dispute with its landlord, Merchant Taylor Commercial. In June, the landlord served notice to Poundland, threatening to take possession of the store’s contents unless a bailiff fee was paid. Fortunately, the branch reopened just a week later, coinciding with the announcement of the initial store closures, which at that point did not include Oldham.
As the discount retailer navigates these challenging changes, the future of its Oldham location stands as a poignant reminder of the shifting retail landscape and the impact on local communities.
