Poundland kicks off new Pep&Co expansion drive, targets 400 concessions by autumn

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 12, 2021

So far, 350 open, 50 more planned. Discount chain Poundland is on the way to reaching its target of operating 400 Pep&Co fashionwear shop-in-shops across the UK and Ireland (where it trades as Dealz) by September.

The latest Pep&Co unit has just opened in its John Allen Centre store in Cowley, Oxfordshire, and mirrors its move to target town centres and retail parks where fashion retailers have been struggling.

“At a time when many of the big names in clothing retail are disappearing, we’re expanding into more stores and filling a gap for family clothing at discount pricing,” Poundland and Pep&Co commercial director Tim Bettley said.

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“Whether it’s a full-size Pep&Co shop-in-shop or a mini-Pep&Co, customers love the price, the quality and the convenience of being able to put fashion items in their basket at their local Poundland store.”

Since its launch in 2015, Pep&Co claims more than £500 million worth of sales and is the 18th largest fashion brand by volume in the UK, according to Kantar Fashion. Clothing prices start at £1 and 95% of the range is under £10.

The label was originally a standalone business, but Poundland has largely moved tothe  shop-in-shop format, debuting in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. However, the brand still operates 13 standalone stores.

Pep&Co now employs more than 1,600 staff in stores and across its distribution network.