Poundland has opened its first convenience store in London, based in the busy transport hub and commuter hotspot Clapham Junction.
The new Poundland Local store is less than half the size of a typical Poundland store and offers a range catering for the convenience shopper, including food-to-go and meal deals.
The food and drink offer – which is tailored for rail commuters and tourists as well as local residents – includes also includes fresh fruit and veg, chilled and frozen food, bread and morning goods, hot pies and pastries, nappies and formula milk, beers, wines and spirits.
The discount retail giant has designed the Clapham Junction store – which opened on 2 July – so that customers can checkout quickly and easily, with eight self-checkouts, more than a typical branch.
READ MORE: Poundland boss confirms ‘shift’ from supermarkets as customer numbers soar
“Each of the new stores will have a range of items tailored to suit the needs of customers in each neighbourhood, whether they live or work locally,” said Poundland transformation and retail director, Austin Cooke.
“In the current economic climate, people are carefully watching how much they spend, and we want them to know that convenience shopping does not have to mean they compromise on value for money.”
The first four Poundland Local convenience stores opened in Yorkshire and Nottingham in May 2021. The value retailer recently said it was actively looking for other suitable locations, particularly inside the M25, with the next Poundland Local set to open in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands later this summer.
A Poundland spokesperson also told The Grocer that it will continue using the Poundland Local name while it continues to pilot the format, despite Poundland Go also being trademarked last year.
Poundland – which has more than 850 stores across the UK – recently increased the number of products it sells for £1 or less.
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