Poundland has initiated an ambitious programme to transform 150 of its stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of August 2024. This initiative, named ‘Project Evo’, is set to deliver comprehensive makeovers, signifying the most significant investment in these locations in over five years.
Project Evo will see the participating stores undergo complete renovations, improving both the shopping experience for customers and the working environment for colleagues. The renovation efforts have kicked off, with contractors already making progress in 11 locations across the UK and Ireland, aiming for a swift completion and relaunch of these sites within the next fortnight.
The initiative’s immediate impact will be felt this Saturday, 17 February, with the completion of Project Evo refurbishments in Urmston, Keynsham, Darlington, Plymouth, Mullingar, and Cavan. The refurbishment drive will continue into the following week, targeting stores in Keighley, Leeds (Crown Point), Coventry, Chatham, and Athlone for completion by 24 February. This effort will bring the total to 42 stores rejuvenated under the programme by Easter, with plans for an additional 31 Project Evo makeovers on subsequent Saturdays.
Project Evo’s renovations are tailored to each store but aim to showcase the best and most current offerings of Poundland and Dealz locations. Upgrades include introducing comprehensive product ranges tailored to each location, incorporating chilled and frozen foods, and the latest clothing and homewares ranges, thanks to Poundland’s parent company, Pepco.
In addition to product range expansions, the stores will benefit from new signage, flooring, and lighting. Back office areas for colleagues are also set for improvements, enhancing the overall working conditions.
An exciting development for families is the expanded baby and kids clothing sections, fulfilling Poundland’s commitment to providing exceptional value. The rollout of chilled food options will complement existing frozen food ranges, including the introduction of a £3.00 meal deal, marking a significant enhancement in the shopping experience.
Alan Smallman, Poundland’s director of property services, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Project Evo represents a significant investment in a substantial number of stores to make them brilliant places to shop and work. Over the past five years, we’ve transformed our offer for customers, adding extensive ranges of clothing, homewares, chilled and frozen food. We’re now embarking on a programme that will show off those ranges in a modern and bright environment that’s easy to shop, navigate and checkout. We look forward to bringing our best offer to these 150 stores over the coming months.”
Earlier in the month, Poundland also announced a comprehensive overhaul of its general merchandise ranges, introducing 2,000 new lines across all its 850-plus stores in the UK and Ireland. This revamp, powered by the Pepco Group, marks the most substantial change in Poundland’s general merchandise offering in its over 30-year history. Additionally, the chain has completed updates in 11 former Wilko stores in England and Wales. By August 2024, nearly one in five of Poundland’s stores will have received a Project Evo makeover, signifying a new era in the retailer’s commitment to enhancing customer and employee satisfaction.
