Poundland to hit million milestone

Feb 4 2010 Kirsten Rawlins

Overwhelming success of retail store exceeding all expectations

The success of Cannock budget store Poundland has surpassed all expectations, says management, and this week tills will ring-up the millionth sale - three months after opening.

To celebrate the landmark, staff are prepared to award a hamper of selected Poundland lines to the lucky customer who makes the landmark purchase.

According to store manager Ian Hogg, the millionth sale should be anytime between today and Saturday.

Mr Hogg, 34, said: “Since opening in October the sales have been amazing, and have really exceeded my expectations.

“Since the success over the Christmas and New Year period, we are still going strong. We have managed very quickly to build up a strong bond among both staff and customers.

“I feel the customers are more likely to visit the store due to all the staff’s familiar faces- as 25 per cent of our employees are former Woolworths staff.”

Poundland is based in the former Woolworths building.

He added: “The people and businesses of Cannock have really embraced our store.

“In the current economic climate, people have had to become more savvy with their money, and have tightened the purse-strings.

“I have had comments from customers saying that we are delivering items to the same standard as higher-range store, but for a much smaller price.”

The Cannock branch has invested in new and improved shopping baskets for the future, and has bought in more trolleys ‘to improve the customers’ shopping experience’.

“We have spent time training our staff, ensuring the customer service is the very best possible. Our customers are invaluable to us, and are always treated as number one,” Mr Hogg added.

Customers in the store were also very enthusiastic. Becky Gocmen, 25, said: “The store’s great. I come here for all sorts of things. At the moment I’m searching for things to help decorate my four-year-old son’s room - I bring him shopping here too!

“Poundland being here is so convenient - it saves me going all the way to Walsall, and things are such good value for money.”

Shops around the centre, such as WHSmith and NV, have praised the store for bringing new customers to Cannock, as fewer people visited the town following the closure of Woolworths.

But staff at charity shop, Age Concern, said they have lost out since Poundland opened. Sales of bric-a-brac items have decreased.

l What’s your view? Is Poundland a winner? Write to the Chase Post at 103-106, High Green Court, Newhall St, Cannock WS11 1AB.