Old Woolworths stores snapped up

Poundland intends to employ up to 35 people in Aberystwyth

Two empty stores which used to be part of the failed retail chain Woolworths are being taken over in mid Wales.

Discount store Poundland is moving to Aberystwyth, while clothing company M&Co is opening in Welshpool.

Poundland is expected to create between 30 and 35 jobs in the Ceredigion seaside town.

The news comes as a survey revealed 69% of former Woolworths stores were still empty more than six months after the last of the shops closed.

Research by the Local Data Company found that 560 of the 807 ex-Woolworths stores have still not been taken over by other retailers - 69% of the collapsed retailer's portfolio.

Of the 247 stores that have been taken on, the research shows many former Woolworths sites are now discount stores and pound shops.

Empty shops

Poundland confirmed it planned to open in the former Woolworths in Aberystwyth, but the company was unable to confirm an opening date.

M&Co said it expected to open in the first week of October in Welshpool.

The company's head of marketing and web services Andrew McGeoch said: "M&Co's continuing success in the UK retail sector means that we are able to bring some much needed stability to local high streets, which I'm sure the people of Welshpool will welcome.

"With great value fashion for all the family, we hope to become an exciting shopping destination for the town."

The firm will confirm later how many jobs will be created.

In April, five former Woolworths stores in mid, north and south Wales which closed when the retail chain collapsed were taken over, creating 100 jobs.

The Original Factory Shop, a discount department store, is taking over the empty shops in Barmouth, Cardigan, Chepstow, Porthmadog and Pwllheli.

The firm already employs 100 people in Wales at Flint, Haverfordwest, Pontllanffraith and Buckley.