A RETAIL row councillor has hit out at Poundland after it released an open letter to him on social media.
“Miffed” Bill Cormie raised concerns about the make-up of key Aberdeen thoroughfare Union Street after it emerged that the retailer may set up shop in its Trinity Centre.
It aims to establish a branch in a street front unit once used by bookseller Waterstones.
When asked about the move by the local Evening Express newspaper, councillor Cormie said: “We need to watch that Union Street doesn’t become a long mall of bookies and discount retailers.”
In response, Poundland posted an open letter online which said Cormie had “spoilt” the company’s Hogmanay celebrations with his “lukewarm” comment. It went on: “Are you really suggesting it would be preferable to leave the unit empty rather than have Poundland move in to bring an improved offer to our customers?
READ MORE: Poundland's new comedic writer ad is no laughing matter
“I’m sure you’ll understand that we’re a little fed up with elected officials suggesting that we’re second-class retailers.
“We’re not. We pay rates. We create employment. We attract customers and footfall wherever we open. Customers like what we offer and the amazing value we provide.
“In nearby Elgin, we’re taking our high-street responsibilities so seriously we’re even buying a listed building to ensure it’s repaired.
“Maybe one of your New Year resolutions could be to not look down your nose at discount retailers – not least because we suspect it may be the case a fair few of the constituents who voted for you quite like us too. Love Poundland.”
But Cormie, SNP councillor for the Midstocket/Rosemount ward, dismissed the criticism, telling The National he has not received a copy of the statement. He said: “I feel a bit miffed they’ve done that rather than come to me myself. It’s a bit childish.
He denied “pointing the finger” at Poundland and said he hadn’t mentioned the store in particular, adding he “wouldn’t say any shop is a second-class retailer”.
“My constituents are on to me all the time about the discount retail shops, bookies and vaping shops that have crept into Union Street.
“It’s not just Aberdeen, it’s happened all over the high street. If you’re not using that type of shop you’ll have nothing to go into. They have filled the place. We don’t want to see empty units but there has to be a balance.”
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