A major discount store is moving into a town centre’s empty Wilko store this autumn, it has now been confirmed.

Poundstretcher is opening at the large unit in Strood High Steet which has been vacant since the company collapsed last year.

The move will create up to 15 new jobs and will be “a great boost” to the town, says the budget chain’s boss Andy Atkinson.

Chief executive Mr Atkinson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the much-loved Poundstretcher brand to Strood for the first time this autumn.

“Our new store will create up to 15 new full and part time jobs and will be a great boost for the local High Street.

“Our winning combination of big brands at low prices, combined with our 99p Super Deals and price cuts, will help attract more shoppers to the town and support customers as the cost of living crisis continues.

“It’s an exciting time for Poundstretcher in the southeast of England with a number of new store openings happening in the coming months, and our team can’t wait to start welcoming customers to Poundstretcher Strood once we open our doors.”

The site has been empty since Wilko went into administration last September, and the search for staff has caught people’s attention.

Jobs have been advertised on the retail recruitment site, Indeed, including posts for a manager, sales assistant, and key holder.

In January this year, the budget retail giants opened a branch at the former Wilko‘s at Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells.

It has also got a shop in Gillingham High Street, which moved into the old WH Smith last summer.

Poundstretcher was also in the Dockside Outlet Centre in Chatham for six years before moving out.

It will be the third budget outlet in the town with B&M and Poundland on Strood Retail Park.

Established in 1981, Poundstretcher is a British discount retailer which offers food, toiletries, garden essentials, and homeware brands.

Wilkos went on the market in January just months after the company went into administration, which resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs.

There was hope some of Kent’s stores would remain open after a handful of the shops were missed in the first announcement.

However, the retailer, which had 13 stores across the county, failed to secure emergency funding and all its shops were were shut by October.