Poundland is set to open a superstore in Canterbury within the next three months.

The budget retailer is to take up residence in an empty unit opposite Asda on the Marshwood Close Retail Park, off Sturry Road.

The vacant store was most recently occupied by fellow discount firm Poundstretcher, which has recently shrunk its national portfolio.

The new Poundland, which will sit between Pets at Home and PureGym, is set to offer the chain’s usual hardware stock, plus food and clothing.

It will be the firm’s second city store, adding to its existing base at the top end of the high street.

A spokesman said: “We’re looking forward to opening a new store in Canterbury in the spring.

“We’re putting together a store the city can be proud of, with more of what customers need and at the amazing value we’re famous for – including Pep&Co clothing and homeware and chilled and frozen food.

“As soon as we’ve got more details to share we’ll be in touch.”

Poundland’s new superstore will be another addition to Canterbury’s list of budget chains, which already includes the likes of B&M and Home Bargains.

University of Kent professor Richard Scase - an expert in economic trends - says the arrival of Poundland reflects the spending traits of city residents.

“These companies aren’t stupid,” he said, “They would have carried out thorough research into the demographics and spending patterns of the people of Canterbury.

“It reflects the average wage for people in the area, and the impact online shopping has had.

“More affluent people shop online, whereas the less affluent tend to still go out and shop.

“So the outcome is, you’re going to end up with a budget shop, as that is what the demand is for.

“Canterbury is ceasing to be a regional hub for people to visit for their shopping. We used to get people from the Romney Marsh or west Kent come over to make a day of it, but Canterbury has lost quality stores.”

Elsewhere in the city, the Riverside Retail Park in Wincheap remains half-empty following the departures of Argos, Mothercare and Carphone Warehouse in 2020 and 2021.

On the opposite side of the A28, Canterbury’s other former Poundstretcher closed down in November, before quickly being replaced by Dreams.