THE opening date for the new Poundland store at the Oak Mall’s former Wilko unit has been announced.

Poundland owner Pepco agreed a deal in September to buy 71 Wilko stores following the collapse of the high street chain – including the Greenock branch.

A total of 37 former Wilko shops have already been re-opened in recent weeks.

Greenock’s Poundland will relocate from its current position in the shopping centre, opening its doors to shoppers on November 4.

The company says it is continuing to prioritise former Wilko staff for roles.

Across the UK, Poundland is set to open 75 stores – both new and acquired Wilko units – before the end of 2023.

Managing director, Austin Cooke, said: “To open 75 stores in the space of a single quarter is nothing short of a super-human effort from every member of the Poundland team.

"To each and every one of them I say ‘thank you’.

“But we’re working at this pace because we’re on a mission –ambitious to grow, create jobs and serve new communities by opening shops customers and communities can be proud of.”