Wilko in Coalville will turn into Poundland

The Pepco Group has agreed to take control of up to 71 Wilko store leases.

The Wilko in Coalville has been named as one of the stores being taken over by Poundland.

The Pepco Group has agreed to take control of up to 71 Wilko store leases.

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said: “In the coming weeks we will work quickly with landlords so we can open these stores as Poundlands with the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development.

“And once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of the Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.

“We know how valued Wilko colleagues have been in scores of communities across the UK and we look forward to offering them opportunities to join our family.

“We recognise the last few weeks have been difficult for them and we will move quickly to secure new consents from landlords so we can offer them the certainty they deserve.

“The Wilko stores will accelerate our existing transformation programme, offering amazing value for consumers, providing growth opportunities for suppliers and supporting employment in the high streets, shopping centres and retail parks customers love.”

Poundland Limited have said they have chosen to take on stores 'largely in locations in which it has limited presence, complementing its existing estate and allowing the discounter to bring its most extensive ranges to a significant number of new communities.'