Tonbridge Bean

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Tonbridge Poundland to Avoid Chop but Tunbridge Wells to Close

Poundland is undergoing major structural changes that will see almost 50 of its UK stores shut their doors this month — but the Tonbridge branch has avoided the chop. Rejoice! The popular discount retailer announced the closures as part of a wider restructuring plan following its purchase from the Pepco Group earlier this summer. Tunbridge…

Tonbridge Bean

2025-08-16

1–2 minutes

High Street, News

Poundland is undergoing major structural changes that will see almost 50 of its UK stores shut their doors this month — but the Tonbridge branch has avoided the chop. Rejoice!

The popular discount retailer announced the closures as part of a wider restructuring plan following its purchase from the Pepco Group earlier this summer.

Tunbridge Wells shoppers, however, will not be so lucky. Their local Poundland, along with branches in towns and cities including Canterbury, Worcester, and Taunton, is among those closing this August. The Tunbridge Wells store was one of nine outlets to close on August 10.

Poundland retail director Darren MacDonald acknowledged the impact of the changes:

“When a store nearby closes, we understand how disappointing that is for customers, but nevertheless look forward to welcoming them to another Poundland store in the future. Poundland remains a key player in UK discount retail, with millions of customers annually and a well-loved brand and proposition.”

Alongside store closures the restructuring plans include negotiating rent reductions at certain locations, shutting Poundland’s frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year, and closing the chain’s Bilston distribution base in the West Midlands by early 2026.

The loss of the frozen distribution centre means Poundland supermarkets will soon carry far fewer chilled items and will drop frozen goods altogether. Other cost-cutting measures will see the expansion of the chain’s womenswear and seasonal ranges, while Poundland’s online store will cease trading entirely.

The proposed changes still require High Court approval later this month.

Poundland’s former owners, Pepco, decided to sell the chain in March after revenue for the six months to that point fell 6.5% year-on-year to £830 million. The company blamed “extremely difficult trading conditions” and struggled to sell through its stock.

For Tonbridge residents, the news will be a relief — the local Poundland remains open for business for now. But with a neighbouring branch in Tunbridge Wells closing, shoppers from further afield may soon be making the short journey over to Tonbridge to get their bargain fix.