Wakefield Poundland ready to roll out the red carpet as high streets set to re-open

Poundland in Wakefield is getting ready to say welcome back to customers next week as non-essential stores are set to reopen.

As an essential retailer, the majority of Poundland stores have remained open throughout lockdown, but It’s now looking forward to neighbours reopening their doors as non-essential retailers reopen and town centres return to being vibrant places to shop and spend time.

Poundland brought 29 stores out of hibernation in February and will now re-open 43 on April 12, including its store at The Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield.

Millions of people changed their shopping habits during various lockdowns and those who have not visited their local Poundland over the past year may not be aware of the significant changes that have been taken place while they’ve been away. These include:

Poundland also confirmed today it is pressing ahead with the £25 million transformation programme launched last July, including new store openings and relocations, store revamps and investment in its chilled and frozen food distribution network following the 2020 acquisition of Fultons Foods.

To date, Poundland has created more than 400 new jobs in the current financial year and expects to create at least 250 more by the end of September 2021.

Barry Williams, Poundland managing director, said: “It is fantastic news that our high street neighbours are preparing to get back to business – not just other retailers but the cafés, gyms and hairdressers who make our town centres the vibrant places people love.

"We’ve missed you and are pleased you’re coming back.

“We know too that many will be making their first tentative steps back into their town centres after being away for some time - we can’t wait to welcome them and say hello. Come see how we’ve changed.

“We’re cracking on with our transformation programme and our investment in new stores, refurbishments, new ranges and distribution. With the challenges faced by high streets, that’s good news for our customers, our colleagues and our communities.”

All the work on store openings and refurbishments will be done in line with government health and safety guidelines, just as it has been throughout the past year.

And all Poundland stores will continue to operate with robust health and safety regimes to protect customers and colleagues.