The Poundland store in Oldham town centre will close its doors on December 13, 2023, as part of a nationwide restructuring effort by the discount retailer. This closure is one of many, with the company planning to shut down between 100 and 150 branches across the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, Poundland was sold to the investment firm Gordon Brothers for the nominal sum of £1, prompting significant changes within the business.
As part of this restructuring, Oldham is among the latest locations to be affected, joining 31 other stores set to close between December and January. This decision follows the closure of 57 other Poundland shops earlier in the year, highlighting a substantial reduction in the company’s retail footprint.
In an effort to clear inventory, affected branches have initiated clearance sales with discounts reaching up to 40 percent. 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.”
The impending closure has elicited mixed reactions from the local community. Many residents have taken to social media to express their dismay, with some viewing the store’s departure as indicative of a broader decline in the town. Local resident David Johnson remarked on the current condition of the store, saying, “Bare empty shelves, hardly anything left… My commiserations to the staff working there; hopefully, they find another job after this.”
Conversely, some residents believe the reaction to the closure is exaggerated. Jasmin, another local, commented, “Relax. If we survived losing Woolworths, we can survive Poundland packing its bags,” adding humorously, “Worst case, we all start bartering with each other like it’s medieval times. Two Freddos for a loaf, anyone?”
This closure follows a brief scare earlier in the year when the Oldham branch unexpectedly shut due to a dispute with its landlord, Merchant Taylor Commercial. The landlord served notice on Poundland in June, threatening to take possession of the store’s contents unless a bailiff fee was paid. Fortunately, the store reopened a week later, just before the first wave of announced closures, which at that time did not include Oldham.
As the Oldham community prepares for the loss of its Poundland, the future of the storefront remains uncertain. Many locals are left wondering what will occupy the space next, with concerns that it could become a house in multiple occupation or yet another vape shop. The closure highlights the ongoing challenges facing retailers in today’s economic landscape, as consumer habits continue to shift.
