Poundland founder plots launch of the Hub variety store chain

Shop was intrigued to read on Market Insight that Dave Dodd, who co-founded Poundland, is plotting to develop a variety chain by the name of Hub. Despite Dodd’s protestations to the contrary, the business proposal looks set to plug some of the remaining gaps on the high street (and in shopping centres) left by Woolworths.

Both own brand and branded products are on the cards, in categories including homewares, toys, confectionary, greetings cards, stationery and gadgets and the first in the chain is scheduled to open within three months.

Shop is guessing that there must be a gap in the market somewhere, but we have to wonder whether we really need another chain store when independents in all quarters – especially newsagents - are so often struggling to keep their heads above water.