A new Poundland superstore almost double the size of its regular shops will open for the first time this Saturday.

The budget retailer has replaced rival chain Poundstretcher by taking up residence on the Marshwood Close Retail Park in Canterbury.

The 12,000 sq ft unit - sandwiched between Pets at Home and PureGym - is the firm's second branch in the city, where it already has a store on the high street.

It becomes the joint-largest Poundland in Kent, alongside outlets at Gillingham Retail Park and Ashford County Mall which are of similar size.

Bosses say the new superstore in Canterbury is "more important than ever" due to the current cost-of-living crisis.

They are also hoping to tap into the city's large student population, citing how the new base is "the perfect location for students to stock up with bargains".

Alongside its typical offerings, the new store will sell chilled and frozen food, and a range of clothes. In total, 24 full and part-time employees will work there.

Poundland director of retail Darren Kay said: “Our colleagues are working hard to make sure that the new Canterbury store will show off Poundland at its best and be one the city can be proud of."

Its launch is another addition to Canterbury’s list of budget chains, which already includes the likes of B&M and Home Bargains.

Poundland, which now boasts almost 350 stores nationwide, also has its sights set on launching another Kent branch in Broadstairs later this year.

The new Canterbury shop will open at 9am on Saturday.

Speaking earlier this year, University of Kent professor Richard Scase, an expert in economic trends, said: “These companies aren’t stupid.

"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."

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.