The chain that began as a market stall

Poundworld’s founder, Chris Edwards, started his entrepreneur career on the Wakefield Market in Yorkshire just as he turned 18. After spending many years trading there he started the chain, Bargain Centre, which he later rebranded to Poundworld.

Just as the firm began to grow, recession hit. While this would have spelled disaster for most firms, Poundworld had an increase in profit as many prime high street spots were becoming empty and customers were looking for bargains amid economic uncertainty. It later became one of the first £1 shop to open an online store.

The shop gained popularity as it received media attention through the BBC docu-series, Pound Shop Wars, which ran for two seasons focusing on Poundworld and its competitors, Poundland and 99p Stores.

MAGNUS ROBERTSON