In the latest blow to the high street Poundland has announced a string of closures with a number of stores shutting for good in a matter of days. The UK-based discount retailer, has been experiencing  significant financial struggles due to increased competition from fellow supermarkets, rising costs, and changes in consumer spending habits.

In a bid to save the struggling business Poundland’s owner has made the decision to close four of its stores; two of its south England branches in London and in Kent, one of its branches in Liverpool, and one in Wales. Poundland's Clapham Junction pulled down the shutters for good on May 2, after only being open for three years.

The second Poundland branch closing is its St George’s Centre in Gravesend, Kent. The store will wave goodbye to Gravesend on May 8.

A spokesperson for the Poundland site in Kent that is to shut said the store was unable to continue trading as it had been unable to “secure a long-term lease”.

The discount's store at Liverpool’s Belle Vale Shopping Centre will close in a matter of days on May 6.

Poundland's fourth closure will be its branch in Brackla, Mid Glamorgan, Wales which will be shutting on May 24. A Poundland spokesperson said: "Poundland operates from over 800 locations across the UK and Ireland and wth so many outlets, it will be no surprise that we constantly review our store portfolio as leases expire or come up for renewal."