AS an essential retailer, the majority of Poundland stores remained open for business during lockdown, but around 100 were hibernated in March where there was another close by or where the shopping centre found it difficult to open.

Since May, stores have been steadily reopening as part of a scheme the discount retailer has named ‘Operation Sleeping Beauty’.

Friday 26 June will see 24 stores reopen, from Harlow to Huddersfield and Bridgend to Blackpool, followed by Meadowhall in Sheffield on Wednesday 1 July.

The retailer is working closely with the landlords to see whether it’s possible to reopen the remaining four Poundland stores.

Robust health and safety measures will operate in all the reopened Poundland stores as they have across all the stores that have remained open.

Poundland retail director Austin Cooke said: “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.

“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.”