Poundland makes first move into world of online shopping

Discount supermarket chain Poundland has launched an online shopping service.

The retailer has initially made the new service available to UK consumers only as it tests how its move into online shopping will pan out.

More than 2,000 products are being made available to buy through the website - www.poundland.co.uk - including brands such as Garnier shampoo, Dettol cleaner and Kelloggs cornflakes as well as Poundland's own ranges, such as Jane Asher's Kitchen, Tommy Walsh's DIY range and its Make Up Gallery cosmetics line.

Deals placed on the website include 24 cans of Irn Bru for £7 and six boxes of Easy Breeze washing powder for £5.

There is no minimum amount that people need to order to use the online service.

But shoppers looking to make their money stretch further will need to bear in mind that Poundland charges a £4 flat delivery fee per order. Delivery is free for orders over £50.

It will also take up to four or five working days for a delivery to arrive - and, at present, there is no option to upgrade to a faster delivery service.

Poundland does not currently offer a "click and collect" service, whereby people can order items online to pick up in store - so customers must choose a home or office delivery address for their order.

Poundland opened its first store in in 1990, in Burton upon Trent. When its preliminary results were announced earlier this year, the company had 588 stores in the UK and Ireland.

Last month, the competition watchdog announced that Poundland's £55 million acquisition of rival 99p Stores had been provisionally given the green light.

Jim McCarthy, Poundland's chief executive, said: "The online shopping market is a rapidly growing channel and one which could provide a significant potential opportunity for us. This trial is an important first step towards giving more customers access to our amazing value."

According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, more than three-quarters (76%) of adults across Britain have bought goods or services online in 2015, up from just over half (53%) in 2008. Clothing and sports goods are the most popular online purchase.