POUNDLAND in Christchurch is reopening this week as the company continues its efforts to resume full operations.

The store in High Street is one of 26 Poundland sites welcoming customers back this week after 51 premises reopened last week.

While keeping many of its stores open during lockdown, Poundland temporarily closed around 100 stores in March, largely where there was another Poundland close by, or where the shopping centre found it difficult to remain open.

Stores have now been reopening under the company's 'Operation Sleeping Beauty'.

Managing director Barry Williams said: “As an essential retailer, we’ve continued to support customers in hundreds of towns – especially those who manage their budgets week-to-week and find it difficult to bulk buy.

“And our store colleagues have done much more than their day-job. They’ve also played a vital role, delivering care packages to other frontline workers and those in need in their communities.

“But even though we’ve kept serving customers, we know we’re at our best as part of a vibrant thriving high street and that’s why we’re looking forward to our neighbours reopening in the coming weeks.

“Healthy town centres are the lifeblood of our economy and our communities. It may have been tough for many retailers before this crisis and it’s more important than ever that we make sure we encourage customers to say hi to their high streets as we return to business-as-unusual.”