![[Comment] How Poundland employees are building skills to thrive in retail](https://www.theretailbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Poundland-new-tills.png)
[Comment] How Poundland employees are building skills to thrive in retail
The retail industry is going through a big shift, driven by changing consumer habits and new technologies. Shoppers are more price-conscious than ever and increasingly focused on sustainability, forcing businesses to rethink their strategies. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores, already facing dwindling high streets, must find innovative ways to attract customers.
One of the biggest challenges? Ensuring retail employees are equipped to navigate this shift. With a skills shortage and competition for talent, upskilling is emerging as a crucial strategy for companies that want to remain competitive.
Why investing in employees matters
Poundland, a well-known variety store chain, has embraced the need for upskilling. Recognising that employees must have a strong mix of technical skills and adaptability, the company is investing in training to ensure its workforce is ready for the future.
“It’s a win-win situation,” says Dean Barker-Rogers, Leadership Development Manager at Poundland. “Upskilling not only benefits the business, but it also helps to keep up staff morale, knowledge and purpose.”
For retailers, investing in training offers more than just operational benefits—it can also attract and retain talent in an industry where staff turnover is notoriously high.
The power of flexible learning
To make learning accessible for all staff, Poundland has partnered with Arden University, enrolling employees in courses such as the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship plus MBA.
“My top advice for other retailers is to make sure you are partnering with a credible institution,” says Dean. “For us, that was Arden University—they are well respected in the industry for the courses they offer, especially for senior leadership. Their blended and flexible approach to learning suits our fast-paced environment.”
Flexibility is a game-changer in retail, where staff juggle demanding schedules. Stacey Hayes-Allen, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Arden University, highlights how crucial this is:
“Learning as an adult has been shown to help learners maintain a greater sense of purpose, improving overall happiness and therefore enhancing engagement and retention,” she explains.
“But managing a job, education and home-life commitments can be challenging. Which is why flexible learning is so important. Being able to work through your studies at a pace that suits you will ensure a better chance of success.”
The employee experience
For Poundland employees, upskilling is not just about career growth—it is transforming the way they approach their roles.
Dillon Heffernan, now Head of Business Optimisation and Change at Poundland, completed the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship while working in retail operations.
“The synergies of learning and my role collided at the same time—almost perfectly,” says Dillon. “I’ve gone strength to strength—academically and in my career. And graduating with this degree and an MBA is a personal milestone for me.”
Georgie, a Store Manager with nine years at Poundland, is currently studying for a Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Business Management. Already, she sees the impact on her understanding of the business.
“As a store manager, I think you get very tied into your store. You don’t actually realise why decisions are made. This course has given me a greater understanding of why we do things the way we do,” she explains.
“Previously I would have just done what I was asked to do—but now, I understand that we have different sources of revenue. For me before, it was always just money in the till.”
A culture of continuous learning
Poundland has seen a ripple effect, with more employees keen to take advantage of upskilling opportunities.
“Learning and development is contagious,” says Dean. “We’ve noticed that when other employees see the benefits, more want to get on board. We’re eager to continue offering this as a benefit—not just for the betterment of Poundland as a business, but for the development of our people.”
Stacey at Arden University agrees, adding: “Degree apprenticeship programmes, delivered through a flexible partner, can play an important role in ensuring employees have access to bespoke learning and development for their roles and industry. This means employees will not only find themselves learning new things and developing their core skills, but they’ll also find themselves continually applying their knowledge directly to your organisation.”
As retail continues to transform, businesses that invest in their people will be best placed to thrive. For Poundland, upskilling is more than just a strategy, it is a commitment to the future.
