Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not be surprised that Poundland is failing. (Another 14 stores to close.)

115 replies

Ved · 06/12/2025 13:40

And they've already closed around 100.

It used to be called Poundland because everything in there was a pound. Then a few years ago, they started selling loads of things that were £2, and £3, and £4. Then they ramped it up and started selling clothes and shoes and toys and household ornaments and cushions, and general household items and the like, and some stuff started being priced at much more. £8, £10, £15. Even more for some items.

The whole point was that everything was a pound. So they've basically lost their way... I haven't shopped in a Poundland store for about 5 or 6 years now. I use B & M, Poundstretcher, and Home Bargains... Seems like many others have drifted away too, as they're closing down stores left, right, and centre...

.

https://uk.yahoo.com/finance/news/poundland-reveals-more-store-closures-121000388.html

OP posts:
BruhWhy · 08/12/2025 14:00

The main issue I have with Poundland is that they sell the same shit year in, year out. I don't need to go in because I know exactly what I'll find - even the seasonal stuff like Christmas/Halloween decorations are identical from year-to-year.

I'm not a massive overconsumer either, and if I've noticed this then those who religiously shop for new products definitely will have.

Ohpleeeease · 08/12/2025 14:00

Ours was one of the ones closing. When everything was a pound it was 90% awful tat but 10% genuine bargains. Their travel bits were useful, packing cubes £1, amazing. Since putting prices up the bargain element has gone but it’s still tat. Cheaper to buy from Temu if that’s the stuff you want.

PhilosophicalCheeseSandwich · 08/12/2025 13:54

I use the one local to me as a cut-through, having a little browse as I go. It's been a long time since I noticed something that seemed to be particularly good value.

Crikeyalmighty · 08/12/2025 13:53

I miss Wilco’s more

Needmorelego · 08/12/2025 13:51

Ved · 08/12/2025 13:32

I personally wouldn't call 75p for one can of fizzy pop cheap!

Then again, maybe it is compared to if you went and bought it from Boots or Greggs...

Show quote history

I had my daily routine of dropping daughter off at school and going to Poundland to get a £1 drink (usually a 500ml Pepsi Max).
Now I have to go to the newsagents and pay £1.35 🙁

Needmorelego · 08/12/2025 13:49

nomas · 08/12/2025 13:40

I think Home Bargains is better for household stuff than Poundland.

The homewares in Poundland are poor quality. You may pay a pound for it, but not £3.

I can see why Poundland falling down too.

That's kind of the point....in order to cost £1 it will be terrible quality.
So they sourced slightly better quality goods but had to charge more.
All their "own brand" products (ie the ones with Pepco on the label) were still budget prices but decent quality.
Now owners Pepco have sold them on they are going to have to find new suppliers but they simply aren't going to be able to charge £1 for them.

Original poster
Ved · 08/12/2025 13:48

@nomas I prefer Home Bargains too - and B & M. I use them a lot. (We have both in our little town... I don't use Poundstretcher much, as we don't have one.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ved · 08/12/2025 13:45

berlinbaby2025 · 08/12/2025 13:38

That same can sell for literally double the price at Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Show quote history

Oh blimey does it?! I never buy single cans of pop, so wasn't sure... Is this a name brand?

OP posts:
nomas · 08/12/2025 13:40

I think Home Bargains is better for household stuff than Poundland.

The homewares in Poundland are poor quality. You may pay a pound for it, but not £3.

I can see why Poundland falling down too.

berlinbaby2025 · 08/12/2025 13:38

Ved · 08/12/2025 13:32

I personally wouldn't call 75p for one can of fizzy pop cheap!

Then again, maybe it is compared to if you went and bought it from Boots or Greggs...

Show quote history

That same can sell for literally double the price at Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Original poster
Ved · 08/12/2025 13:33

CandyCaneKisses · 07/12/2025 18:20

I wouldn’t call branded cleaning products or toiletries tat.

Show quote history

Exactly. Poundland have always sold loads of things that are not 'tat.'

.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ved · 08/12/2025 13:32

berlinbaby2025 · 07/12/2025 14:56

They had to raise their prices to have a chance of survival so increased prices aren’t the issue. You can buy hardly anything for £1 these days so that’s just the way it is. But they should have seen the writing in the wall earlier, not expanded as quickly as they did, and rebranded. I do go in now and then for a can of fizzy drink - £75p which is crazy cheap.

I personally wouldn't call 75p for one can of fizzy pop cheap!

Then again, maybe it is compared to if you went and bought it from Boots or Greggs...

OP posts:
Original poster
Ved · 08/12/2025 13:30

Jane143 · 08/12/2025 08:47

Why comment then?

Show quote history

I assume that poster is maybe being ironic/joking?

Maybe not though, this is Mumsnet after all. 😆

OP posts:
Jane143 · 08/12/2025 08:47

IndigoIsMyFavouriteColour · 06/12/2025 13:50

We never go in there. Not our sort of place

Why comment then?

CandyCaneKisses · 07/12/2025 18:20

Boomer55 · 06/12/2025 16:00

Bucket shop selling tat. No great loss. 👍

I wouldn’t call branded cleaning products or toiletries tat.

Mumof3girlsandaboy · 07/12/2025 16:54

I went to my local one on Friday and I was surprised how many items were more expensive than Tesco

Blingismything · 07/12/2025 16:48

Our local one had the self checkouts removed due to excessive amounts of shoplifting.

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 07/12/2025 16:45

Inflation fucked them over.

CandyCaneKisses · 07/12/2025 16:35

It can be cheaper to go to Home Bargains.

liquoriceallsortfamily · 07/12/2025 16:32

The clothes are fantastic. Good value and go up to large sizes too

Needmorelego · 07/12/2025 15:02

Sgtmajormummy · 07/12/2025 14:34

M&S used to be known as the Penny Bazaar and they’ve managed to move on with the times…
The last time I was in the UK I noticed a lot of Pepco stock in Poundland so wondered if they were starting a takeover. Obviously not.
I love Pepco, in fact I’m planning a trip there soon to get next year’s diary. I can’t find any others like it, and the price? €3!

Pepco owned them for a while but they were the company that has now sold them off.
The shops they have in East European countries are called Pepco.
Some countries (including Ireland) they are (or were) called Dealz.
Why they didn't just change their name I don't know.

MrsSkylerWhite · 07/12/2025 14:57

Prefer Home Bargains. Similar prices and wider choice.

berlinbaby2025 · 07/12/2025 14:56

They had to raise their prices to have a chance of survival so increased prices aren’t the issue. You can buy hardly anything for £1 these days so that’s just the way it is. But they should have seen the writing in the wall earlier, not expanded as quickly as they did, and rebranded. I do go in now and then for a can of fizzy drink - £75p which is crazy cheap.

Sgtmajormummy · 07/12/2025 14:34

M&S used to be known as the Penny Bazaar and they’ve managed to move on with the times…
The last time I was in the UK I noticed a lot of Pepco stock in Poundland so wondered if they were starting a takeover. Obviously not.
I love Pepco, in fact I’m planning a trip there soon to get next year’s diary. I can’t find any others like it, and the price? €3!

Needmorelego · 07/12/2025 14:10

Beachtastic · 07/12/2025 13:53

Whoever was daft enough to call it Poundland is presumably now long retired, or dead.

It shows about as much business acumen as calling a shop "Shillingland" (for my generation) or "Farthingland" (for my parents' generation) 🤡

Woolies used to be known as the "3d and 6d" stores because everything cost 3d (pence) or 6d.
(The original American ones were "5 and Dime").
Obviously things changed.....
Although when they closed in early 09 many people kept whittering on about things like broken biscuits.
Which they hadn't sold for decades.
Some people seem a bit oblivious to change 😂

Swipe left for the next trending thread