Oldham Poundland faces shock closure after landlord repossesses building
Oldham's Poundland branch on High Street was unexpectedly repossessed by landlords Merchant Taylor Commercial, leading to its sudden closure. Staff were sent home, and the store's contents were seized unless a bailiff fee is paid. Poundland claims the repossession was unexpected, as the store was not part of their national restructuring plan and rental payments were up to date. Oldham Council has expressed concern for affected staff and plans to offer support through its Get Oldham Working team.
Poundland’s Oldham store was abruptly shut down Monday morning after landlords repossessed the High Street building, sending staff home and leaving shoppers stunned.
Merchant Taylor Commercial served notice around 9am, taking possession of the shop and its contents unless Poundland pays a Bailiff Fee to reclaim them, according to a notice posted at the entrance. The sudden closure comes as the discount chain undergoes a national restructure that could see 150 stores close nationwide, though the Oldham location was not among the initial 68 earmarked for closure.
“This was an unexpected development this morning, and we are working hard to understand why the landlord has taken action at the Oldham store to prevent us from opening as usual,” a Poundland spokesperson said. “Poundland is currently going through a process nationally, under which a number of stores will close, subject to court and creditor approval but the Oldham store is not one of those and our rental payments are up to date. We obviously apologise for the inconvenience to customers in the meantime.”
Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah responded to the closure, saying: “It’s a shock to see that the Poundland store in our town centre has been shut this morning. We know that nationally, the struggling chain is closing many of its stores, and private landlords can’t always support struggling retailers, which appears to be the case here. My thoughts are with all of the staff who I know will be worried about redundancy. Our Get Oldham Working team will be reaching out to see if they can support them during this difficult and uncertain period.”
The closures follow Poundland’s acquisition by investment firm Gordon Brothers. Merchant Taylor Commercial declined to comment.
Source: Read original article