Poundland employees in Aberystwyth were unable to enter the store on Saturday after the locks had been changed. The discount retailer has operated a shop in Great Darkgate Street for over 15 years.
Peacocks acquisition and eviction notice
In August, it was revealed that Peacocks had purchased the unit after it was listed with Morgan and Davies estate agents. At the time, Will Creedon, acquisitions director for Peacocks, said: "We are pleased to announce our return to Aberystwyth with the acquisition of the largest retail property along Great Darkgate Street. The store will be subject to full refurbishment and our new Peacocks store will be open soon once Poundland vacate."
Poundland had continued trading throughout this period. However, staff arriving for their Saturday shift found the premises inaccessible after the locks were replaced. Local residents have reported spotting an eviction notice on the doors.
Poundland's response
A spokesman for Poundland described the situation as "unnecessary and discourteous to our colleagues." He said: "Our landlord in Aberystwyth, Peacocks, informed us when they purchased the premises, they do not wish Poundland to remain in occupation. Despite our best efforts to ensure there could be an orderly close down in December, within the rules of a court-approved restructure plan agreed in August 2025, the landlord has now unilaterally changed the locks at the store, preventing us from accessing the premises on Saturday. We think this was unnecessary and discourteous to our colleagues, and we know how disappointing this will be to them, and our customers in Aberystwyth."
The spokesman added: "We will work hard to find alternative roles for colleagues and do all we can to look after them during a formal consultation period. We're sorry for the inconvenience our unexpected closure will cause our customers. If suitable premises become available, nothing would please us more than to return to the town."
Impact on staff and operations
Poundland operates approximately 600 stores across the UK and Ireland, employing around 12,000 members of staff. The retailer has faced considerable difficulties over recent years, battling mounting costs and fierce competition from rivals. The current ownership is actively seeking potential buyers, while Poundland's management team pursues its own buyout bid. Peacocks have been approached for a response.
