Discount retailer Poundland has announced a major makeover of 150 stores across the UK and Ireland, set to be completed by the end of August. The 'Project Evo' transformations represent the first significant investment in the majority of these stores for more than five years, with each location receiving a top-to-bottom refresh.
Contractors are already on site at 11 locations, with the first refurbishments finishing this Saturday, 17 February, in Keynsham, Somerset. Further stores in Darlington, Plymouth, and Dealz outlets in Mullingar and Cavan will follow, with a total of 42 stores transformed by Easter. The programme will continue on subsequent Saturdays until August.
Project Evo work varies by store but includes fresh signage, flooring, and lighting. Back office areas will also be upgraded to improve working conditions. Stores will be reconfigured to offer more baby and kids' clothing, and will introduce chilled and frozen food ranges, including Poundland's £30 meal deal. The changes aim to showcase expanded clothing, homewares, and food ranges in a modern, easy-to-navigate environment.
Poundland's director of property services, Alan Smallman, said: 'Project Evo represents a significant investment in a substantial number of stores to make them brilliant places to shop and work.' He added that the programme will bring the retailer's best offer to 150 stores over the coming months.
The move follows Poundland's earlier announcement of a complete overhaul of its general merchandise ranges, introducing 2,000 new lines across all 850-plus stores. This is the single biggest change in its general merchandise offer in the company's 30-plus-year history. By August 2024, almost one in five Poundland stores will have received a refresh.
