Poundstretcher expands with purchase of failed Alworths stores

Graham Soult

Retail consultant, writer, blogger; helping retailers via CannyInsights.com and CannySites.com. Say hello on Twitter at @soult!

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12 Responses

  1. Retrogadget says:

    Just returned from a visit to Swadlincote and Alworths has been converted to a Poundstretcher directly opposite an established larger Poundstretcher store. The smaller store now holds all the smaller lines such as food,drink and some household goods, whilst the other has DIY, garden and furnishings, so there is hardly any duplication in stock between the two.
    Interestingly the original Poundstretcher is based in a former Gateway store which for several years existed a few doors away from a former Fine Fare store which was converted to Gateway. So Swadlincote is no stranger to having two branches of the same chain in close proximity to each other in their main street.

  2. Nick Weeks says:

    Although I have never been a fan of Poundtretcher i am really pleased that They bought Alworths and saved so many jobs.

    It’s a pity the stores could’nt have kept their own identities as it was the closest thing you could get to Woolies still being on the High street.

    How did Andy Latham get it so wrong when Alworths started off so well?

  3. audrey carle says:

    i think its great news that poundstretchers has taken over alworths in forfar the nearest one to us is dundee its a great shop i wish them all the best cant wait for them to open. good luck

  4. John Rogers says:

    Actually, Poundstretcher already have a branch on the same retail park that Woolworths had relocated to from Newark centre, which is, I suppose, between half and three quarters of a mile from the Alworths store.

    I can think of various possible explanations, but all of them would seem cynical or sarcastic. Having said that, with hindsight, most correct predictions these days seemed cynical or sarcastic at the time they were made.

  5. Retrogadget says:

    I’m surprised at Poundstretcher taking on the ex Alworths store at Swadlincote as they already have a larger store directly opposite.

    • Graham Soult says:

      Hmm, interesting! Guess we’ll have to watch and see what happens. I’m assuming that the Alworths stores will be rebranded, though it’s not entirely clear whether Poundstretcher has bought the Alworths brand as part of the package

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