Peacocks has responded after it changed the locks on an Aberystwyth high street store.

Staff at Poundland on Great Darkgate Street turned up for work on Saturday morning to find the locks had been changed on the premises, leading to company bosses to announce the store would be closed.

Explaining the decision, Peacocks, who bought the former Woolworths store at 24 Great Darkgate Street in August, said: “Formal notice was served on the Aberystwyth Poundland store in accordance with the court-ordered Restructuring Plan, giving them more than 60 days’ notice to vacate. This expired on 16 October 2026.

"Under the terms of the Restructuring Plan, Poundland’s rent was reduced to zero, meaning it has benefited from paying no rent at this store for over 12 months.

“We offered Poundland the opportunity to continue trading for an extended period, subject to agreement on rental terms. Unfortunately, an agreement could not be reached, and we therefore had to proceed with our plans for the unit.

"We recognise that this has been a difficult situation, particularly for the store’s employees.

“While communication with employees regarding the closure was a matter for Poundland, we appreciate the uncertainty this may have caused and welcome the opportunity for former Poundland employees to apply for roles at our new store.

"We look forward to opening Peacocks in Aberystwyth and becoming part of the local community. We expect to have nine positions available and would encourage anyone interested in joining our team to apply by emailing [email protected]”

In a statement on Saturday, Poundland said: "Our landlord in Aberystwyth, Peacocks, informed us when they purchased the premises, they do not wish Poundland to remain in occupation.

"Despite our best efforts to ensure there could be an orderly close down in December, within the rules of a court-approved restructure plan agreed in August 2025, it appears that the landlord has now unilaterally changed the locks at the store, preventing us from accessing the premises today.

"We think this was unnecessary and discourteous to our colleagues, and we know how disappointing this will be to them, and our customers in Aberystwyth.

"We will work hard to find alternative roles for colleagues and do all we can to look after them during a formal consultation period.

"We’re sorry for the inconvenience our unexpected closure will cause our customers.

"If suitable premises become available, nothing would please us more than to return to the town."

When announcing its acquisition of the prime high street premises in August, Will Creedon, Acquisions Director for Peacocks says: “We are pleased to announce our return to Aberystwyth with the acquisition of the largest retail property along Great Darkgate Street.

"The store will be subject to full refurbishment & our new Peacocks store will be open soon once Poundland vacate.

"Many thanks to Morgan & Davies for their kind introduction & professionalism during the transaction with a quick turn around to completion.”