Poundland wins retail industry accolade
Budget chain Poundland has been named the Discount Retailer of the Year at the 2011 Retail Industry Awards.
The Willenhall-based company was awarded the title at the award ceremony in London on Thursday (22 September).
In July, the single priced retailer announced its planned expansion into Ireland with the Dealz brand and said it would open up a further 50 new stores in 2011/12.
The retailer said it would also create 2,000 jobs over the next 12 months.
Poundland was shortlisted in the Discount Retailer of the Year category along with Aldi and Iceland.
David Shrimpton, editor at Independent Retail News and talkingretail.com, said: "Poundland swept to victory as Discount Retailer of the Year, wowing the judging panel with its focused business model and a financial performance that saw profits increase by a massive 81.5 per cent in the last year.
"Poundland's cost control was felt to be exceptional and its relationships with suppliers exemplary. From a supplier perspective we’re seeing them doing some very innovative things and they do look after their suppliers very well."
