Major British discount retailer Poundland will open its new store in Bolton this weekend at the site where the former Wilko shop traded.

After taking control of the premises of the Wilko store on Deansgate, which closed on Thursday, September 21, Poundland announced plans to open in the bigger space than the current store on Victoria Square.

The firm's store on Victoria Square, which is not as large as the Deansgate property, will remain open, Poundland has said.

In addition to the 20 former Wilko stores it had already opened as a Poundland, the discount retailer has today (Monday) confirmed that another nine stores would open their doors this coming weekend, including the Deansgate shop.

Just like the 20 before them, each of the new stores will have grocery, household and general merchandise ranges found in every Poundland store.

Poundland’s retail director Darren Kay said: “We’re moving at pace because we know how important opening these stores are to local communities.

“While stores will get more extensive refits in next year, we’re proud that another nine former Wilko stores will begin their Poundland journeys this coming weekend.”

There are no current plans for the Middlebrook Retail Park Wilko site, which closed on Friday, September 29.

The Poundland stores will also feature the same Pepco family clothing that is now also rolling out to 500-plus of the chain's existing UK and Ireland stores featuring brands like Disney and Harry Potter.

More than 250 Wilko stores have now shut across the UK.

Fellow high street retailer B&M bought 51 Wilko stores at the beginning of September in a deal thought to be worth around £13m.

While The Range agreed to a deal to buy Wilko’s brand for around £5m.

Poundland owner Pepco also agreed on a deal earlier this month to buy 71 Wilko stores from administrator PwC following the collapse of the business.

Poundland continues to prioritise former Wilko colleagues for roles and encourage them to follow Poundland’s posts on LinkedIn or visit www.poundlandcareers.co.uk to find details of open roles and how to apply for them.