Poundland launches long-awaited ecommerce website

Poundland today launched its first transactional website. The site, which has expected for some time, is run on a trial basis and comes in response to customer feedback and market research.

Initially more than 2,000 items are on offer for the fixed £1 price to UK customers only, in categories including health and beauty, cosmetics, bakeware and DIY equipment. There is no minimum order value, and delivery costs a flat £4 unless shoppers spend more than £50, when delivery is free. A click and collect trial is planned for 2016.

Poundland boasts 5.3m customers a week at its 550 UK stores, and online features of this first venture into ecommerce include navigation through categories as well as gamified approaches such as a shuffle button that randomises the range and a scratchcard that enables shoppers to win offers from free delivery to discounts.

Poundland chief executive Jim McCarthy said: “We’re very pleased to have launched online. We now have over 550 stores across the UK which provide our customers with magic moments when they find amazing value products at our famous £1 price point. Our online channel will make shopping even easier, it’s convenient and caters for shoppers who may not yet have a Poundland nearby, but who still want to benefit from the amazing value and remarkable treasure trove of lines we offer.”

The retailer has been working closely with commerce agency, Ampersand , on the launch.

Darryl Adie, managing director of Ampersand, said: “The new website, optimised for desktop, tablet and mobile, positions Poundland as modern and even more accessible retailer. In addition to showcasing the extensive product range available to buy online and in-store, the new website features gamification and bulk buying. The new features are sure to appeal to Poundland’s loyal customer base and new customers too.”

Digital transformation boutique consultancy eNova advised on strategic planning, solution and operations development and project management.

Andy Morrey, founder of eNova and former head of ecommerce for Argos and M&S, said, “We feel privileged to have accompanied the Poundland management team all the way to the launch of their much-awaited transactional website. From strategic vision to implementation and now trading, we are proud to have been part of such an important development for Poundland and the retail industry.”