The man behind the hugely-successful Poundland business is launching a new mid-market variety chain called Hub, whose offer will include hardware, garden and housewares.
Poundland co-founder Dave Dodd says eight new Hub stores will open in the first year, with the chain totalling 30 by the end of 2012. Ultimately, Dodd hopes to have 200 Hub shops nationwide. The first will be launched in the next three months.

Hub's proposition will be affordable prices and value but aimed at customers aspiring to mid-to high-end lifestyle and quality. Product categories include kitchenware, household, electrical, hardware and homewares along with garden and leisure, sport, computer accessories, stationery, toys and confectionery.

Hub aims to serve 12,000 customers a week in each store, and "re-establish variety as a must-have feature in high quality mainstream shopping environments".

Dave Dodd co-founded Poundland in 1990, and it is now Europe's largest single price retailer, with more than 240 stores across the UK and sales of £500m. In 2002 he led a management buyout of the business.