Poundland gearing up to reopen the last of its temporarily closed stores

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Poundland Worthing

Source: The Grocer

Poundland is gearing up to reopen the last of its temporarily closed stores, with 24 to begin trading again this Friday and one next Wednesday (1 July).

The discount chain was classed as an essential retailer as the coronavirus hit the UK because of its food and drink range, with the majority of its 850-strong estate remaining open.

However, Poundland announced at the end of March that 100 stores would temporarily close, in some cases due to shopping centre closures. Falling footfall was also cited, along with the close proximity of some stores to other, still-trading branches.

The move saw employees furloughed in the government’s job retention scheme.

The stores have been steadily reopening since May and the latest round of reopenings will leave just four still closed.

A Poundland spokesman said today that it was ”working closely with the landlords to see whether it’s possible to reopen the remaining four Poundland stores”.

“All our colleagues have worked incredibly hard to keep the vast bulk of our stores open and we’re delighted to be welcoming back those in the final phase of our reopening programme,” said retail director Austin Cooke.

“We’re pleased that so many of our retail neighbours are reopening, too, as our customers once again say hi to their high streets.

“While this feels like an important milestone on getting back to normal, it’s important we all maintain the social distancing and hygiene regimes that have helped us shop smart and stay safe.”

Poundland stores due to open on Friday 26 June: