Jobs blow as pound store is set to close
ROCHDALE’S Poundworld Plus store is to close with the loss of 16 jobs.
The Kingsway Retail Park store is one of 40 stores set to shut across the country, resulting in 531 job losses.
The firm’s Yorkshire Street store has not been named among the latest list of closures.
Poundworld, which employed around 5,100 people at its peak, collapsed last month, but administrators Deloitte have been unable to find a buyer for the retail chain.
Across Greater Manchester the Bury, Wigan and Ashton Under Lyne will also be closing. A total of 57 jobs will be axed.
The affected stores will close on Tuesday, July 24.
Deloitte assured that discussions with interested parties for the potential sale of “part, or parts of the remaining business” were still ongoing.
Joint administrator Clare Boardman said: “We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.
“We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen.”
Earlier this month, Deloitte announced that 105 stores would shut, impacting around 1,200 jobs.
This included stores in Stretford, Ashton, Denton, Manchester Arndale, Middlebrook and Hyde would also close.
The latest store closures come as hopes for a rescue of the beleaguered retailer fade.
Deloitte has turned down a bid for Poundworld from its founder, Chris Edwards, who was looking to save a raft of stores and safeguard around 3,000 jobs.
Mr Edwards, who founded Poundworld in 1974, was critical of how his offer was received by Deloitte, and said he was “shocked and surprised” that he was turned away.
The founder of rival Poundland, Steven Smith, has also been linked to a bid to salvage part of Poundworld out of administration.
Poundworld’s collapse came amid falling footfall, rising costs and weak consumer confidence.
The budget retail chain, formerly owned by TPG Capital, is one of a number of retailers to call in administrators this year, with both Toys R Us and Maplin disappearing from UK high streets.