Poundland extends Lisnagelvin store in Derry creating ten more jobs

The company said the extra space means “the store can offer a wider variety of the essentials” under one roof.

The extension increases the floor space by more than half, taking it to 10,000 sq. ft. and it will create 10 new jobs to join the existing team of 28.

The Waterside store has remained open during lockdown as an essential retailer.

A spokesperson said: “Customers should stick to the regulations on staying at home, but if they need to visit the store our colleagues are ready to help them.

“All the work has been carried out in line with official guidelines on safe working during Covid-19. Like all Poundland stores, Lisnagelvin has robust hygiene and social distancing measures in place to protect customers and colleagues.”

Olivia McLoughlin, Poundland Ireland retail country manager, said: “We think customers will love the extra space and the wider range of everyday items on offer.

“During the lockdown, we’re there for the essentials that our customers need and in the longer term our colleagues at Lisnagelvin are ready to play a big part in the community in the months and years ahead.”

Early last month one of Poundland’s other stores in Derry at Ferryquay Street in the city centre was put into ‘temporary hibernation’ as a result of the lockdown along with dozens of other stores.

The company at the time said it is replicating the measures it took during the lockdowns of 2020.

The discount giant has over 800 stores but only 44 were placed into temporary hibernation from Saturday January 9. This also included the Belfast store at Castlecourt.

A spokesperson said at the time: “As an essential retailer, the vast majority of stores will remain open for business to serve their communities.

“Hibernation allows it to focus colleagues in a slightly smaller number of locations and provide better service to communities in consolidated stores. In the majority of locations where Poundland is hibernating, there is another store that remains open nearby.

“Where appropriate, colleagues in hibernating stores will be placed on furlough, protecting those roles for the future.”

Poundland’s third Derry store at Waterloo Place also remains open.