EXCLUSIVE: The popular discount chain Poundland is to open a third store on the Island in Ryde, Island Echo can exclusively reveal.
Planning permission has been granted to develop 15-16 High Street, Ryde from the former Sinclair Youngs and Gladrags stores into a brand new Poundland shop. It will be the third store on the Island for the national chain who already operate in Newport and Shanklin. In recent years, the now-empty shops have been occupied by independent firms.
As reported two years ago, Poundland advertised with the Jobcentre for staff members, however the plans for a new store never progressed, much to the disappointment of local residents.
Back in April of this year the local Town Council supported a planning application submitted for the High Street properties, however there was no mention of the company behind the plans.
Island Echo spoke to Poundland at the time but they denied opening a Ryde store.
Now, a planning application for illuminated signs has been submitted which confirm’s Poundland’s links to the development.
No date has been announced for the store’s opening.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY: The discount chain is remaining tight-lipped about their plans for the Ryde store, even though the building has been bought and planning permission given.
A Poundland spokesperson has today told Island Echo:
“Poundland is currently considering the acquisition of new stores to add to those already opened this year. The stringent acquisition process ensures the new stores are positioned in the right location and fit Poundland’s customer profile.
“Due to the popularity of Poundland’s product ranges, the organisation is keen not to raise anticipation for a new store before plans are finalised. Therefore, Poundland cannot disclose any more information at this stage. As soon as all details have been confirmed, Poundland will immediately release this information to the area in question.
“Poundland serves over 5 million customers every week. Customers are guaranteed to find over 3,000 quality products per store and over 1,000 well-known brands, across 17 shopping categories including food and drink, health and beauty, household, gardening, DIY, Pet, Stationery, Books, DVDs and Toys”.
Illustration: Our take on how the shopfront could look.
