BARGAIN shops chain Poundland is to expand into the eurozone after announcing plans for a number of new stores.

The new venture, called Dealz, will start with six stores in Ireland to open before March next year in a £1.7m investment to create 180 jobs.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said there was “an appetite from Irish consumers for a discount retailer”.

The company, which has two stores in Huddersfield – at New Street and Victoria Lane – has expanded in the UK from 263 outlets to 347 over the last year as more middle-class customers turn to the chain in the tough climate.

Its 3,000-strong list of £1 products ranges from Kodak batteries and 1.5kg packs of sugar to reading glasses, tents and Christmas lights.

Mr McCarthy said: “Finding a European brand name for an established UK brand was no easy task.

“It was important to ensure we decided on a brand name that was going to resonate with our Republic of Ireland customers and in the future, enable us to expand the brand in mainland Europe.”

Poundland, which claims to serve 3.5m customers, plans to add at least 50 new stores during the 2011/2012 financial year, creating about 2,000 new jobs.

The company reported an 81% increase in operating profits last June to £21.5m on sales totalling £150m.

It is understood to be on course to deliver record results this month.