Poundland To The Rescue?

The discount retail outlet Poundland has set forward plans to open at least 50 new stores and create 2,000 jobs.

I can see the widening eyes off students all over the country as the £1 or less retailer provides big brands at low prices, but what does it mean for the sector as a whole?

As a man of taste and style (ish...) I have to say there is something a little off about stores like Poundland for me. I much prefer to know that what I am buying has come from the latest batch produced. Maybe I am the perfect example of the fresh and fast economy that has seen the growth of organic food and recycled packaging that has dominated the consumer retail sector of late. Marks and Spencer's Simply food being prime example of this growth. 


The fast and cheap culture of the 90's may have died with Little Chef and the development of 'healthy' MacDonals but is it set for a Poundland revival? With around 3 million customers a week, its hard to argue otherwise. Whats more, Piundland are playing the 'we will help the economy stabilise' card, a move that will surely win them more support.

I have to say I am sceptical. I'm not a snob, neither am I too proud to root for a bargain (I'm a car boot sale fan after all) but at the same time, I like to enjoy the entire experience of shopping. It begins with the building and continues through package design, store design, colours, the layout, the smells the sounds... all of which make me feel like I am choosing a product because it speaks to me and who I am.

I'm not saying that Poundland are a bad retailer, far from it, the company employ over 7,500 staff in 263 store nationwide so who am I to belittle that? It is also true that the displays and quality of fixtures and fitters may well be higher than you think they would be but, for me, it just doesn't quite hit the button.

So what's the conclusion? Poundland's top sellers include Kodak batteries, Malteasers and cotton buds so if your idea of a good night in is cleaning your ears out then eating a packet of Malteasers whilst watching the latest Katie Holmes film on your battery powered portal DVD player then head to Peterborough where the next Poundland will open.

If like me, you find it hard to buy toiletries that don't have the vintage European style label of L'Occitane stuck to the front then maybe its not for you. 

I may be paying a visit for AAA batteries however. I all ways did think they were overpriced.