Discount store flourishes as price savvy customers seek out bargains in the Christmas period.
Poundland's Christmas trading results for the five weeks ending January 4, 2009, revealed an increase in like-for-like sales of 3.9 per cent.

Total sales, including new stores, were up 24.3 per cent year on year.

Poundland chief executive Jim McCarthy said: "It is clear that Poundland has been one of few retailers reporting growth during the 2008 Christmas trading period.

"We are well positioned to capitalise on the continuing strong customer trend to shop savvy and seek value for money. Well over two million customers every week have enjoyed the benefits of saving money on top brands at Poundland, where everything is a pound."

The company plans to 'increase the store base significantly', opening a further 30 stores and creating more than 1,000 new jobs.

Poundland employs 6,400 people and has over 200 stores nationwide.