Poundland will next week begin to reopen the 100 stores it temporarily closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The discount chain closed stores where there were two shops near each other or where they were located in a shopping centre impacted by the lockdown. Starting on Monday, 36 stores will reopen with the rest to follow in the coming weeks.
Poundland’s other 800 stores had remained open as they were designated as essential shops because of their grocery and household product ranges.
Meanwhile, Wickes is following its rivals B&Q and Homebase in opening up its entire estate.
The DIY chain opened 106 stores today with the remaining 108 shops getting back to business on 19 May. As with other retailers, Wickes has introduced social distancing and hygiene measures with trading hours reduced.
Wickes Chief executive David Wood said: “In recent weeks we have taken time to review in great detail how to operate our stores safely in the wake of covid-19 and we are confident we have put the right measures in place to achieve this.
“We have measured customers’ experience in the Wickes trial stores, with eight out of ten describing their experience as ‘excellent’ with regard to feeling safe and secure.”
NAM Implications:
- Some pent-up demand that will be released.
- But the costs of social distancing will affect profits.
- So back to the latest available annual results for an indicator of how Poundland and Wickes will fare…
