New Poundworld store opens in Shrewsbury town centre

The retailer opened its latest branch in the former HMV unit in the Pride Hill Shopping Centre.

The family-run company was recently the subject of popular BBC1 documentary ‘Pound Shop Wars’, Shrewsbury will be its 244th store in the chain.

Councillor Jon Tandy was at the new Poundworld in the busy Pride Hill Shopping Centre to meet staff ahead of the opening day when almost 1,000 customers flocked through the doors.

He said: “It means a lot to me that 30 new jobs are being created in the town and that Poundworld are keen to provide job opportunities, particularly for people who through no fault of their own are without work.

“It’s very close to my heart to make sure people in Shrewsbury have got work opportunities and that we make this town and I will continue to work to do just that.

“Poundworld opening is good news for the town because there are shops opening here and lots of people are coming to us who want to start a business.

“It’s just a matter of time before more new openings are announced and the Pride Hill Shopping Centre are doing their bit for the community as well.”

Poundworld’s huge 5,000 square foot bargain store is in addition to the family-run company’s existing store in Meole Brace where new manager Gareth Benting has been the assistant manager.

The 39-year-old from Copthorne, Shrewsbury, has worked in retail for the past 12 years , with Netto and Asda before joining Poundworld two years ago.

He said: “We have been very successful at Meole Brace so the company wanted to open another store in the town centre and Pride Hill is the ideal place for us.

“They’re a great company to work for and always like to look inside the business to appoint people. I’m thrilled to be managing a store in the town and I’m looking forward to taking on Poundland in the Darwin Shopping Centre. I’m confident we have the offers and bargains to do it.”

Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “We’re delighted that Poundworld are joining the retail mix here at the Shrewsbury Shopping Centres.

“They are a major presence in the high street and add to the varied shopping offer we have with top retailers alongside many independent businesses."