Wigan man dubbed 'quiet hero' prepares for new life abroad

Long-serving Poundland store manager Seann Baxter, from Abram, is leaving Poundland after 14 years to start a new life with his wife Amanda close to the Aegean coast near Fethiye, Turkey.

The 42-year-old has run the Raven Way store in Salford for the past three years, helping to turn it around and consistently grow sales.

His career at Poundland has seen him manage stores across the North West including two in Manchester Arndale, Bury, Wigan and Leigh, as well as the previous Salford store.

Seann even had a starring role in the 2017 TV documentary “Trouble in Poundland” as it followed stores across the UK.

When he joined Poundland in 2006, to run the Altrincham store, it had around 160 shops, compared to more than 800 in the UK and Ireland today.

Bury-born Seann started his career in discount retailing with Kwik Save where he spent 12 years.

He said: “I’ve had a great time with Poundland and worked with some fantastic colleagues. There are a lot of good people in Salford and they wear their heart on their sleeve.

“We’ve got great customers and we get to know the regulars, especially the older ones and we’ve been looking out for them especially during Covid.

“Turkey’s been paradise to us since we first went 20 years ago and it’s always been our dream to live there.”

Seann and Amanda will fly out next month when they will be reunited with their cats Sammy and Alfie who are being transported separately by road.

Today, Poundland managing director Barry Williams and retail director Austin Cooke paid a surprise visit to Seann’s store to say thanks and goodbye.

Barry said: “Seann has been a quiet hero for Poundland. We’ll miss him, but are delighted he’s able to live his dream and we’re grateful for the contribution he’s made.”