Poundland takes on supermarkets with expansion due to cost of living crisis

The discount retailer says 28 will be upgraded in November and December and up to 300 in the next 12 months. More than 350 have had makeovers in the last three years as it challenges the supermarkets, it says.

Poundland started installing chillers and freezers and clothing in 2019. The firm says it has an ‘ambitious store opening plan’ for 2023 and a commitment to help customers cope with soaring inflation.

Tim Bettley, Poundland’s commercial director, said: “Our ambition is to offer more value in more places through opening relocating and extending new stores and accelerating the rollout of Project Diamond so that customers can find more of what they need close to home.

“We’re working hard to extend our ranges in new categories such as chilled and frozen food and clothing and to constantly select the items that give customers value for money at a time when they need it the most.”

And while frozen food is proving a hit with customers, chilled food is also winning. All upgraded Poundland stores will offer Britain’s best value meal deal for £2.50 giving customers a selection of sandwiches, snacks and drinks, he added. Last week a major supermarket increased the price of its meal deal to as much as £3.90 from £3.00.

The firm opened its first store in 1990 and now has 850 branches employing 18,000 people. ‘Most’ items are still £1 it says.

To continue holding the powerful to account and giving people a voice, The Star needs you to subscribe, please