Up to 200 Poundland branches may be forced to close under the terms of a potential rescue deal, placing hundreds of jobs and high street presences at risk. The discount retail chain, which has been on the market since March, is attracting final bids this week. According to The Sunday Times, investment firm Gordon Brothers has emerged as the leading contender. Other interested parties include Hilco Capital, Endless, and Modella Capital — the private equity group behind The Original Factory Shop and the recent buyer of WHSmith’s high street business. With 825 stores nationwide, Poundland has struggled in the face of surging operating costs and growing pressure from major supermarket chains offering budget-friendly alternatives. The retailer’s parent company, Pepco Group, confirmed earlier this year that it is shifting focus away from fast-moving consumer goods in favour of higher-margin clothing and general merchandise. This strategic pivot includes “actively exploring separation options for Poundland, including a potential sale”. A spokesperson for the group added: “Poundland is executing a turnaround programme to get the business back on track, focusing on its core heritage strengths and a simpler pricing proposition and customer offer.” While a deal could inject much-needed direction for the embattled chain, the fate of hundreds of locations across the UK now hangs in the balance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Range has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious store conversion programme, transforming 55 former Homebase locations into fully operational superstores. The move follows The Range’s acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its stores in November, following the DIY retailer’s fall into administration. Now rebranded under The Range fascia, the sites have been revitalised to offer a broader and more convenient customer experience. Several of the newly launched stores now include dedicated garden centres and kitchen showrooms, with bathroom displays expected to be added to selected locations in the coming months. CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range, confirmed that details of the second rollout phase will be revealed shortly as part of the group’s wider growth strategy. The retailer also continues to strengthen its collaboration with grocery partner Iceland, with the partnership now extended to over 150 co-located stores across the UK. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, commented: “We’re extremely proud of the transformation achieved across these former Homebase sites. These stores not only safeguard jobs but offer customers an enhanced retail environment tailored to their home and garden needs. “Our growing partnership with Iceland, alongside the introduction of Wilko own-brand products, reinforces our focus on convenience, quality and value. We remain committed to supporting local communities and delivering a standout shopping experience.” As high street retail continues to evolve, The Range’s strategic expansion underlines its ambition to become a dominant force in the UK’s home, garden and value retail sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene has unveiled ambitious plans to double its UK presence, with a goal of reaching 100 stores nationwide by 2027. The popular homewares retailer is continuing its rapid expansion with new locations confirmed for Canary Wharf in London, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, and Stirling in Scotland, all set to open this summer. These additions follow the recent launch of its Oxford Circus flagship in March – the brand’s fifth store in the capital. This UK growth is part of Søstrene Grene’s wider international strategy, which includes the opening of 60 new stores globally in 2025. Chief Executive Officer and co-owner Mikkel Grene said: “Customers in the UK have responded incredibly positively to the Søstrene Grene concept. We continue to see strong footfall, high levels of engagement, and real appetite for new locations – even in areas where other retailers are pulling back.” Grene noted that the company’s confidence to expand lies in its ability to enhance and support local high streets. Founded in 1973, Søstrene Grene now operates more than 330 stores across 17 European countries. The brand is known for its distinctive Scandinavian design, offering a curated range of homewares, furniture, kitchen accessories, and creative hobby items. “We’re making long-term investments because we believe in the ongoing relevance of physical retail,” Grene added. “Especially when it creates a meaningful customer experience and an emotional connection. We see an opportunity to bring something different to the UK high street at a time when fresh thinking is needed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lifestyle and fashion brand Anthropologie is preparing to open its first-ever store in the North West, having secured a prominent spot at Liverpool ONE. Set to occupy a 7,000 sq ft flagship unit on Peter’s Lane, the store will offer the brand’s signature mix of womenswear, footwear, accessories and homeware—all under one roof. The move marks a significant milestone in Anthropologie’s UK expansion and brings yet another sought-after name to Liverpool’s retail heart. Rob Deacon, Asset Management Director at Liverpool ONE – Landsec, commented:“2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for Liverpool ONE. The arrival of Anthropologie further elevates our line-up of premium and international brands, reinforcing our position as one of the UK’s most dynamic retail destinations. This is yet another compelling reason to visit.” Anthropologie’s signing comes hot on the heels of several major additions to the centre. Japanese retailer UNIQLO recently opened its doors at Liverpool ONE, marking its first foray into the city, while global beauty powerhouse Sephora and fashion group TFG London are both due to open later this month. With momentum building, Liverpool ONE continues to attract world-class brands seeking to tap into the region’s vibrant and style-savvy consumer base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fashion favourite Mango has officially opened its latest concept store at Overgate shopping centre in Dundee, bringing its fresh ‘New Med’ aesthetic to Scotland for the very first time. Situated on the ground floor and spanning more than 3,700 sq ft, the new store focuses exclusively on womenswear and showcases Mango’s latest design approach—characterised by Mediterranean-inspired styling, natural materials and a relaxed, contemporary feel. More than just a retail space, the store incorporates a range of customer-focused features, including a click-and-collect service and a dedicated ‘Committed Box’ where visitors can drop off clothing and footwear for repair or recycling, underlining the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability. Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager at Overgate, commented:“We’re thrilled to welcome Mango to Overgate. The buzz around the opening has been phenomenal and it’s a fantastic addition to our evolving retail line-up. The brand’s arrival marks another exciting step in the transformation of the centre.” Mango’s debut in Dundee comes ahead of another major milestone for Overgate, with Frasers Group set to unveil a 100,000 sq ft FRASERS flagship store at the centre this June, following its acquisition of the scheme in 2023. Property consultancy Orinsen acted on behalf of Overgate in securing the deal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sainsbury’s has kicked off its 2025 store expansion drive with the opening of a brand-new supermarket in Felixstowe — the first of 14 planned site conversions following a major property acquisition in late 2024. Located on a 19,000 sq ft site, the Felixstowe store marks the retailer’s first presence in the Suffolk town, bringing Sainsbury’s full grocery offer to local residents for the first time. The store is part of a strategic expansion effort that will see over 400,000 sq ft of new retail space added to Sainsbury’s portfolio over the next two years. The newly opened supermarket is one of 14 locations secured last autumn, largely comprising former Homebase units and two sites previously operated by the East of England Co-op. Alongside larger supermarkets, the retailer has also announced plans to open 25 additional convenience stores over the same period. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to open our first ever store in Felixstowe, bringing our quality food and excellent service closer to more customers. It’s also a proud moment for the business as this store marks the first of many new supermarkets we’ll be unveiling over the next two years.” He added: “Our expansion reflects the confidence we have in our brand and our commitment to investing in communities across the country. The Felixstowe site has been transformed in just a few months, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum as we bring more Sainsbury’s stores to life.” The wider expansion is part of a bold growth strategy to strengthen the supermarket’s reach in both new and existing markets, offering customers greater convenience and access to its full range of products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Frasers Group has strengthened its retail presence in the capital with the opening of two new stores at Westfield Stratford City in East London, unveiling new locations for both Sports Direct and FLANNELS. As part of its ongoing London expansion strategy, Sports Direct has launched a two-storey, 20,000 sq ft flagship store. The new space offers a wide range of apparel, footwear, and sports equipment for men, women, and children, featuring top brands including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Under Armour, New Balance, and ASICS. The store also includes a dedicated section for GAME, the gaming and technology arm of the Frasers portfolio. Lauren Barrie, Group Head of Retail at Frasers Group, said the move underlines the importance of London as a key growth market: “The launch of our Westfield Stratford store follows major openings on Oxford Street and at White City, reinforcing our ambition to create cutting-edge retail destinations in the capital.” Alongside Sports Direct, FLANNELS has opened a 5,000 sq ft boutique at the centre, offering a curated selection of luxury and contemporary fashion across menswear, womenswear, footwear, and accessories. Barrie added: “FLANNELS Stratford marks another step in our ongoing commitment to reimagining the luxury shopping experience. Even in the face of broader retail headwinds, we remain focused on delivering high-quality, immersive environments that meet the evolving expectations of today’s consumer.” The dual openings are part of Frasers Group’s wider strategy to modernise and elevate its retail offering across key urban locations, blending accessible sportswear with premium fashion in high-footfall shopping destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals