Poundland Mexborough takes centre stage in new Channel 4 documentary

Viewers might spot some familiar faces in the TV show broadcast next week, which follows the retailer's bid to shed its bargain-basement reputation and go upmarket in an effort to attract new customers.

Inside Poundland: Secrets from the Shop Floor will be shown on Channel 4, with episode one airing on Monday at 9pm, and episode two the following week, with both instalments available immediately on All4 as a mini-boxset. 

The series follows events at the Mexborough store which was one of the first to undergo a makeover under the transformation plans, including new chilled and frozen food ranges. 

Store manager Claire Meredith said: “Everyone at the store is really excited to be part of the show and we hope our customers enjoy getting a peek behind the scenes.”

Claire, who has been at Poundland for a year and lives in Barnsley, added: “The best thing about the Mexborough store is the community feel and working with a fabulous team.”

Claire says if Hollywood comes knocking to turn the series into a blockbuster film she would like to be played by Melissa McCarthy. 

Area manager Ryan McCarthy, who has been at Poundland for six years and lives in Rotherham, said he’d like Arnold Schwarzenegger to play him in a Poundland movie.

He added: “On the rare occasion it’s been a bad day at the office, I always remind the team, I’ll be back!”

As well as a behind the scenes view of what goes on in stores and the customer support centres every day, it follows the opening of a new store, the rollout of chilled and frozen food and the launch of the new PEP&CO homeware range. 

Poundland retail director Austin Cooke said: “Whether you're a regular customer or popping in for the first time, the TV show gives an insight into the hard work and enthusiasm of our people as we bring customers more of what they want.”