Store wars such good news for shoppers (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Store wars such good news for shoppers

5:30pm Sunday 7th February 2010

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FIRST there was 99p Stores, then the 89p Extra Stores and now there’s a Poundland heading for Eastleigh.

The news has sparked rumours that a fierce store war could be about to break out between the three discount shops.

The new Poundland will be opening in the empty Woolworths premises in Leigh Road and, the company says, it will create 21 jobs.

All three low-cost retailers have been competing to snap up stores and staff following the demise of Woolies.

For more than five years, 99p Stores had reigned supreme in the town’s Swan Centre until last month when new rival, 89p Extra Stores, opened for business just a few yards away in High Street.

However, from next month, both retailers will have to fight it out with yet another discount giant.

Poundland’s trading director, David Coxon, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening a store in Eastleigh, creating jobs and great shopping opportunities.

“I’m sure savvy shoppers in the area will be delighted by the amazing value that Poundland offers.”

However, Hussein Lalani, 99p Stores’ commercial director, said he would not be giving up his customers without a fight.

He said: “I would say we have more branded products than them.

“We have a saying when we compare ourselves with Poundland: ‘Twice the range and a penny change’.

“We have more products, more branded products and we are a little bit cheaper.

“Discount stores have been doing very well since the credit crunch and we have loyal customers in Eastleigh.

“They might have a look around Poundland, but I am confident they will come back.”

He went on to say that while he would not change his prices, he would be putting together special offers to make sure he gave better value than his two rivals.

The owner of the family-run 89p Extra Stores, Anoushka Annauth, said her cheaper shop would hang on to customers because they had the best customer service.

“We always go the extra mile for our customers,” she said. “I they want something that we don’t have, we leave no stone unturned to get it for them next time.”

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