Huge blow for Poundland shoppers as takeover of Wilko store at risk & fans say they don’t need ‘another empty building’

SHOPPERS are not impressed after learning that Poundland is struggling to take over a former Wilko store.

The Wilko store closed in September after the retail chain went into administration. 

Rival budget store has plans to take over 56 ex-Wilko stores by November and so far 47 new Poundland stores have opened. 

But it seems shoppers in Stamford are set to miss out as the former Wilko store is on the market to let.

Poundland says it has been unable to reach an agreement with the landlord on leasing the building. 

However, it added that this could change in future as it remains open to conversations with all Wilko landlords.

Shoppers were less than impressed when hearing of the news on Facebook. 

One user said: “Used to be a Poundland on the high street a few years ago, it didn’t last very long.”

Another said: “Poundland pulled out of the old place because the rent was too high – I feel sorry for the staff.”

“We need shops filled, people employed not, empty for months,” declared a third user. 

Quite a few Facebook users argued they would prefer to have the former Wilko store placed by another retailer too. 

One user said: “ Would have preferred a B&M.”

“Home Bargains would have been nice to have instead,” said another.

It looks like this isn’t the first time shoppers in Stamford have been disappointed. 

Back in 2014, a Poundland store unexpectedly closed with shoppers given no clear reason why.

To let signs have now appeared in the windows of the former Wilko in Stamford High Street.

The two-storey building is on the market with Eddisons for £100,000 a year.

Here’s a full list of the former Wilko stores reopening as Poundland stores by November 4:

• Unit 16, Lagny Street, Alnwick, NE66 1LB
• 22-24 Headingley Central, Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2UE
• 48-52 Freeman Street, Grimsby, DN32 7AG
• Unit 11, St Andrews Retail Park, Hull, HU3 4EH
• 12-14 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL
• 30-40 High Street, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 8AA
• Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, 3-11 North Square, London, N9 0TZ
• 41 Hamilton Way, Oak Mall Centre, Greenock, PA15 1RQ
• 32 Yoden Way, Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, SR8 1AL

The past few years have been a tough time for high street retailers.

More shoppers than ever are ordering online and energy costs have risen which has left some retailers grappling with budgets. 

It has led to several high street retailers closing stores as they try to cut costs.

Some have gone bust completely too, including Paperchase, Cath Kidston and M&Co.

Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand. 

B&M has closed nine of its stores since February this year.

Clintons brought in advisers in August to put a plan in place to save it from insolvency.

The card retailer plans to close 38 of its 225 stores to try to stay afloat.

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