Poundland store re-opens today in Milton Keynes town

The discount retailer kept many of its stores open for essential shopping during lockdown and has now brought another 26 out of hibernation under its '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."

Mr Williams added: "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.”

The Bletchley store will have robust health and safety measures in place. These include marshals at the door to limit the number of customers in store at any one time, floor markers to help customers maintain social distancing, perspex screens at manned checkouts to protect colleagues and customers, and the closure of every other self-checkout to make appropriate social distancing easier

There are rigorous hygiene routines in place and staff must wash their hands every 20 minutes and wipe key surfaces down every hour.