A major national discount retailer is poised to breathe new life into a prominent vacant unit in Sutton Coldfield town centre. Poundstretcher, a well-established chain with a significant presence across the United Kingdom, has been confirmed as the new tenant for the former Poundland shop located on The Parade.
Filling a Retail Void in the Heart of Town
The Poundland store, which had been a fixture on The Parade, closed its doors in October of last year, leaving a noticeable gap in the town's retail offering for four months. The swift action by the unit's owner, Birmingham City Council, has now secured a replacement that promises to continue providing value-focused shopping for local residents.
A Nationwide Retailer with Local Connections
Founded in 1981, Poundstretcher operates an extensive network of more than 400 shops throughout the UK and employs over 6,000 staff members. While this will be its first outlet directly in Sutton Coldfield, the retailer already has a strong foothold in the wider West Midlands region.
Its existing presence includes seven shops within Birmingham itself, with the nearest located in Erdington, alongside four additional stores in the Black Country areas of Brierley Hill, Hednesford, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.
What the New Store Will Offer Shoppers
The incoming Poundstretcher is set to stock a wide variety of bargain goods, positioning itself as a leading variety discount retailer. Shoppers can expect to find:
- Food and drink items
- Household essentials and homeware
- Toys and electrical products
- Furniture and garden supplies
The retailer is known for its competitive pricing strategy, offering over 5,000 products at what it describes as some of the lowest prices available on the high street, including numerous deals at 99p.
Creating Local Employment Opportunities
In preparation for the opening, Poundstretcher is already advertising for new staff members to join its Sutton Coldfield team. The company is seeking sales assistants on contracts starting from four hours per week, with additional overtime opportunities available.
Additionally, the store is looking to recruit keyholders, who will form a vital part of the management team. These positions are offered on 16-hour weekly contracts, also with the potential for overtime work.
A Welcome Boost for Sutton Coldfield's Retail Landscape
The arrival of Poundstretcher comes at a crucial time for Sutton Coldfield town centre, which has experienced several notable departures in recent months. These have included well-known names such as JD Sports, River Island, and Claire's Accessories, alongside the closure of the Sutton Coldfield Market Village indoor markets site.
Birmingham City Council, which owns the majority of shops on one side of The Parade as well as the Newhall Walk area behind it and the Red Rose Centre, has been actively working to revitalise the retail environment. This follows recent news that the Red Rose Centre is in the process of being sold.
Positive Developments Amidst Challenges
Despite these closures, there are several encouraging signs of investment and renewal in the area:
- Silver Tree Bakery has expanded its café operation and announced plans for a third shop opening.
- The Victorian Tea Room has taken over a former Ted's Potatoes location.
- Substantial work is progressing on the new Harvey Norman department store, with an opening scheduled for the first half of 2026.
- Rudy's pizzeria is preparing to launch in a converted former gym building on Birmingham Road.
- A larger Aldi store is under construction on Brassington Avenue, though this will result in the closure of its existing Parade shop once completed.
- Further afield in Mere Green, the award-winning Baresca tapas restaurant is set to bring Spanish flavours to the former Bistrot Pierre site.
The introduction of Poundstretcher to The Parade represents a significant positive development, offering residents continued access to affordable goods while contributing to the ongoing evolution of Sutton Coldfield's town centre retail offering.
