Poundland 'would be missed' in Southampton amid sale rumours

Pepco Group – which owns the variety store chain – announced last week that it was going to refocus its business on a single brand and was therefore looking at future options for Poundland.

While no store closures have been announced nationally or for any of the eight outlets around Southampton and Eastleigh, some locals argued the chain would be missed if it were to go.

One person walking through Above Bar Street, which is home to a Poundland shop, said that the brand closing would be “another good” brand “that’s gone down” in the city centre.

READ MORE: Southampton is third worst city in UK for shoplifting, new survey says

“Poundland goes down, it’s not too bad, but another shop and another shop, there’ll just be hairdressers left,” said Peter from Southampton.

Peter from Southampton said it would be another brand gone on the high street if Poundland were to close after potentially being sold. (Image: Newsquest) Joe Bright said that he thinks the budget chain would be missed by a lot of people if it were to close after the business is sold.

“I know for a fact that there’s a lot of elderly people who go in there for a deal, my parents included,” the 27-year-old said.

“I think it’s one of those shops you always think of as a good budget choice and I think the bargains you can get there would be missed by others and by me.

“It would be another good brand to have gone down on the high street, and other than West Quay, the high street isn’t really the strongest it has ever been.”

The Poundland shop on Above Bar Street, Southampton. (Image: Newsquest) However, sisters Sarah and Kirsten Davey argued that there are plenty of other good options for shopping in Southampton city centre.

READ MORE: Anger as Poundland stores possibly 'facing closure' amid 'challenging' landscape

“I’ve lived here a long long time and been in it twice, there’s so many other places to go,” Sarah said.

“It’s sad to say because it is people’s preference, but I wouldn’t miss it.”

Inside the Poundland store on Above Bar Street. (Image: Newsquest) Kirsten continued: “B&M is another good option, or TK Max up the far end. It’s not quite the same stuff but in the grand scheme it’s other options.”

Toni Woods, 33, argued that the high street was average compared to other cities.

But he did note that he does not use Poundland “much though” so he would not know if it would be missed.

A Pepco Group spokesperson said: “As stated at our Capital Markets Day on 6 March, we are actively exploring separation options, including a potential sale, for the Poundland business.