OneBeyond Plans 200 Stores in 18 Months and Talks to Poundland on Sites

OneBeyond plans to take its estate to 200 stores within 18 months, a two-thirds increase, and is in discussions with Poundland about a number of viable sites, according to PRLog. The proposed expansion would grow the discount retailer's workforce from 1,650 to more than 3,000 people.

OneBeyond's 200-Store Ambition and Poundland Talks

OneBeyond is a family-owned UK discount retailer selling everyday essentials, homeware, toys and seasonal products. The company said the ambition would bring its 5,000-strong product range to more communities across the UK.

Chris Edwards Jnr, owner and chief executive of OneBeyond, said: "We have the experience, ambition and ability to act quickly. Our goal is to take OneBeyond to 200 stores within 18 months, and should the right opportunities become available, we are ready to move."

Edwards also addressed Poundland's position. "If a rescue of Poundland as a whole cannot be secured, established retailers such as OneBeyond can play an important role in providing a future for suitable stores and employment opportunities for affected colleagues," he said. He added that OneBeyond is already engaging with the relevant parties about suitable store opportunities.

Poundland's situation has drawn attention from suppliers and commentators. Hillcrest, a Poundland supplier, told the BBC it will lose millions if the retailer collapses, as it is one of its biggest customers, and warned that other small and medium suppliers could go under and thousands of jobs could be lost.

OneBeyond said any openings would be subject to availability, commercial terms and each location meeting its requirements. The retailer is inviting landlords and property agents with suitable locations to come forward.

OneBeyond's Store Count and Product Range

According to akta.pro company records, OneBeyond scaled from its founding in 2019 to over 100 stores nationwide across the UK within roughly six years, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing UK discount retailers. The same records describe the company as operating over 100 high street stores from Hoyland, Barnsley, with more than 6,000 products in-store spanning food and drink, household, baby, health and beauty, DIY, toys and seasonal categories. The records list a headcount range of 1,001 to 5,000 and a revenue estimate of $100 million to $250 million.

OneBeyond's Next Steps on Sites

OneBeyond said it is ready to act quickly on available opportunities and is engaging with the relevant parties about suitable store opportunities. The company said openings would depend on availability, commercial terms and each location meeting its requirements.