Poundworld to close up to 100 stores – putting 1,500 jobs at risk
The discount retailer is looking at closing about 100 of its 355 stores
POUNDWORLD is to axe up to 100 of its shops, putting 1,500 jobs at risk in the latest blow to the high street.
The discounter has 355 stores across the UK and employs about 5,500 people.
Like many other retailers in recent months, it has been hit by rising costs, falling consumer demand and the weaker pound.
The firm is now considering something called a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA), which will allow it to restructure the business and pay down its debts.
It is expected to announce the terms of the CVA next month.
According to , if it proceeds with the CVA, the retailer is likely to seek to close as many as 100 shops across the UK.
The Sun Online has contacted Poundworld for comment.
The news is the latest hammer-blow to a troubled high street.
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Poundworld is owned by private equity firm TPG Capital, which also owns restaurant chain Prezzo, which is also closing almost 100 restaurants.
It follows similar move from New Look and Carpetright, which are expected to close 60 and 92 stores respectively, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
In March, fashion retailer Next also revealed it will axe 60 of its shops putting 980 jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, baby chain Mothercare is reportedly considering whether to close up a third of its stores as it struggles to survive on the high street.
Earlier this year, two of the country's largest retailers, Toys R Us and Maplin collapsed putting 5,500 jobs at risk.
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