A POUNDLAND store has been shut suddenly two weeks ahead of its expected closing date leaving shoppers "gutted".
The discount chain's branch in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, in Basildon town centre, was closed on Tuesday morning, with notices from law firm Howard Kennedy on behalf of the landlords placed in the windows.
According to Poundland, their Basildon shop was due to shut on March 13 due to not agreeing ongoing lease terms with the landlord. Despite rumours about staff redundancies at the store, the retail chain clarified this was not true.
The landlord’s legal representative told the Echo that Poundland’s "right to occupy the premises had come to an end" and there was "no dispute" between the parties.
Its sudden closure has left shoppers shocked and saddened, with Basildon resident Gareth Hann saying: “ I’m pretty gutted it’s closing. It is a big blow, especially due to the cost of living nowadays.
“A lot of people cannot afford things. They don’t have the money to save and many of them are on a budget. They can’t afford expensive stuff.”
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Helen Novak, who has lived in Basildon for 68 years, added: “I know a lot of people do use it and it’s a shame. It is a blow to the town.
“This store was useful for a lot of people. It is a shame. There are only clothes shops here.”
The closure comes as Poundland was set to begin an "orderly clearance sale" on Tuesday.
Staff have been "temporarily relocated" from Basildon to the Pitsea store while other arrangements to clear stock are made.
“We apologise to customers for the unexpected closure of the Basildon store which was out of our control,” a spokesman for Poundland added.
Bosses at Eastgate Shopping Centre have confirmed Poundland will be replaced by a new tenant.
A spokesperson said: “As part of Eastgate’s continued transformation, we’re proud to be part of a town centre that’s evolving to meet the needs of the community.
“As you will have seen from the multiple new stores launching, we’re creating new opportunities and jobs both in retail and leisure and will soon be announcing another exciting new tenant replacing Poundland.”
The closure comes as Poundland's sweeping restructure that saw it shut nearly 150 shops and axe 2,200 jobs finished last month, but bosses said it still has “much to do” to get back on track.
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