Pound Shop Wars: Battle of the Loom Bands

Documentary series following the competition between pound shop chains. Poundworld prides itself on selling life's essentials, but every now and then one particular new product can unexpectedly start selling like hot cakes. Poundworld boss Chris is tipped off by his granddaughter Olivia that the latest trend to hit is loom bands. Despite being baffled by the appeal of the coloured elastic bands which can be woven together to create bracelets, key rings and toys, Chris decides to order over a million packs. There is no guarantee that a craze will materialise, but Chris's savvy granddaughter has helped him steal a march on the opposition, and it looks as though the risk is paying off when sales rocket. The national minimum wage has increased by 19p an hour. Thousands of Chris's employees will benefit from a rise in their pay packet, but Poundworld will have to cope with a massive hike to their £38 million annual wage bill. Commercial director Ian Hamilton is on a cost-cutting mission.