POUNDLAND in Kidderminster will reopen this week after going into "hibernation" as customer numbers dropped dramatically at the end of last year.

The Worcester Street discount store is due to open at 8am on Friday, February 26 as part of the national retailer's Operation Spring Back in response to the Prime Minister's announcement for easing lockdown restrictions.

If all goes to plan with the first stage of the lockdown exit plan, non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens could reopen from April 12.

This will depend on tests in four key areas – the success of the vaccine roll-out, evidence of the vaccine working, an assessment of new variants and keeping infection rates below a level that could build pressure on the NHS.

While most of the UK's Poundland shops remained open during lockdown, the Kidderminster branch closed in January after footfall fell sharply when nearby non-essential retailers closed.

Colleagues returned to work today, however, to prepare for the grand reopening later this week.

Poundland retail director Austin Cooke said: "We’re proud to have kept most of our stores open serving our communities with the essentials they need, but in some places, we couldn’t stay open when so many of our neighbours were forced to close.

“The roadmap is good news for retailers and our town centres which have such an important role to play in our recovery and our colleagues and customers will be delighted that we’re re-opening in these locations, and so are we.

“Safety continues to be our first priority, and shoppers can return with confidence - we’re well versed in making our stores safe place to shop. We’re all looking forward to giving them a warm welcome as they return.”

Poundland plans to bring the remaining stores out of hibernation in the coming weeks and is working closely with landlords and shopping centres on reopening plans.

All the stores coming out of hibernation will reopen to customers with the robust health and safety measures that have been in operation throughout the pandemic.

The reopened stores will operate with barrier screens at checkouts and thorough and regular cleaning regimes applied across the day.

Customers are asked to observe government guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks.