Poundland has announced it will open more than 150 new Pep&Co fashion outlets across the UK, Ireland and France over the next 12 months, including one in Birmingham and two others in the Midlands. The expansion follows the successful launch of a 'shop-in-shop' concept in Willenhall in 2017, with further openings in Dudley and Kings Heath.
New locations confirmed include the Sheldon area of Birmingham, as well as Halesowen and Kidderminster. The move will see the Pep&Co brand present in more than 300 locations by the end of 2018, as Poundland aims to become 'a major high street fashion player'.
The retailer secured new loan funding days before the announcement to support its ambitious investment plans. Based on fashion industry data, if expected sales are achieved, Poundland would become a top 15 clothing retailer by volume, alongside brands such as River Island, Top Man, Asos and Peacocks.
Pep&Co managing director Adrian Mountford said the partnership with Poundland and Dealz in the Republic of Ireland would allow the brand to double in size. 'This Christmas we sold over a million more items than we did in our whole first year of trading from standalone stores,' he stated.
Poundland's UK and Ireland managing director Barry Williams added: 'Who would have thought 12 months ago that we would make Poundland a must-stop fashion destination. Well, we're turning that ambition into reality.' Prices at Pep&Co start at £1, with 95 per cent of the range at £10 or under.
