Poundland announces major U-turn with 11 stores to stay open despite plans to close 68 branches - full list

In total, 11 outlets that had been earmarked for closure will continue trading.

Poundland said shops in Irvine’s Rivergate Centre, Brighton’s London Road, Glasgow’s Anniesland on Great Western Road and Whitby will remain open, while seven other locations, not yet disclosed, have also been spared. The Irvine branch has already reopened after restocking.

The Irvine store is located in the Rivergate Shopping Centre and was due to shut on September 14. One shopper said: "Aww this is fantastic news, I'm sooo pleased for all the girls who work there." Another said: "omg buzzing."

The change comes after Poundland secured a temporary arrangement with the landlord of its Whitby store.

It marks a shift in the company’s restructuring programme, which has already seen 57 branches shut permanently since US investment firm Gordon Brothers bought the chain for £1 in June.

Six more stores are still due to close on September 28, which will complete this phase of the closure programme. Poundland had originally planned to shut 68 outlets as part of its overhaul.

The discount retailer runs around 800 shops across the UK but wants to streamline its portfolio to between 650 and 700. As part of Gordon Brothers’ wider plan, rent reductions are being sought at up to 180 sites.

Barry Williams, Poundland's managing director, expressed confidence in the company's new direction. "We're determined to deliver a simpler, more focused Poundland that keeps its promise of amazing value to customers," he stated.

Williams acknowledged the backing received during the transition, adding: "We appreciate the support we've had from suppliers, landlords and other partners who've now all been fully briefed on our plans to get us back on track."

Despite the scale of the restructuring, Williams remained upbeat: "While there is much work to do, I'm confident that a Poundland focused on the simple value our customers expect, has a bright future."

Poundland’s former owner, the Polish-based Pepco Group, sold the chain to Gordon Brothers after a run of poor performance. Since then, the American investment firm has pushed through a wide restructuring that goes beyond store closures.

The frozen food distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, will shut later this year, while the national distribution hub in Bilston, West Midlands, will close in early 2026.

Poundland is also axing its online shopping service and winding down the Poundland Perks loyalty scheme by mid-September.

Customers in the scheme will be able to redeem their vouchers until January 15, 2026.

Staff consultations are ongoing over possible redundancies as part of the restructuring.