Community celebrates the return of a beloved store with a festive opening event
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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, shoppers in Elgin braved the elements as Storm Darragh swept through the region to celebrate the grand reopening of the refurbished Poundland store. After more than six years of uncertainty and disruption, the beloved High Street store has finally returned, much to the delight of local residents.
From closure to celebration: A long-awaited return
The journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges. The original Poundland store closed its doors suddenly due to structural concerns, leaving a void in the community. Compounding the situation, a fire further delayed the reopening, and the COVID-19 pandemic added an additional 18 months to the timeline.
The entire building had to be meticulously dismantled and rebuilt, echoing the classic design of the former Woolworths store, with the renovation project costing over £1 million.
A festive atmosphere greets eager shoppers
On the day of the reopening, the atmosphere was electric. Families were greeted with balloons and the cheerful presence of Poundland’s mascot, Pound Hound, creating a festive environment for the youngest shoppers. Among the first to enter were Colin and Alison Green, who brought their children Noah and three-month-old Reuben. “We just wanted to come down and see the new shop, see if it’s bigger and better than the one they’ve been using at TK Maxx,” Alison shared, expressing excitement about the store’s return.
Community support and manager’s reflections
The reopening not only attracted loyal customers but also drew in curious passersby. Dot Grant, who stumbled upon the store while waiting for a hair appointment, found herself among the first customers through the doors. “I thought I would come down and see this new shop instead,” she remarked, highlighting the store’s ability to attract foot traffic.
Poundland manager Gerry McAloon, who has been with the store since 1993, reflected on the emotional significance of the reopening. He described it as “coming home” and praised his team for their resilience during the tumultuous years. “These last six years have been a journey,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by the staff and the community. Gerry also emphasized Poundland’s commitment to Elgin, stating, “They’ve shown a commitment to Elgin though and a commitment to the staff here.”
Looking ahead: A bright future for Poundland in Elgin
The refurbished Poundland not only offers a wider selection of products but also features special Poundland flats that provide stunning views of the town center, already attracting interest from potential buyers. As the community embraces the store’s return, it symbolizes resilience and the importance of local businesses in fostering community spirit.
With the festive season approaching, shoppers are eager to explore the new offerings, including Christmas items and everyday essentials. The reopening of Poundland marks a significant milestone for Elgin, reinforcing the notion that even in challenging times, community and commerce can thrive together.
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