Poundland to put 100 stores in ‘hibernation’

Discount retailer Poundland, based in Willenhall, is to temporarily close shops at 100 sites across the UK in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A Poundland spokesperson said: “Poundland is addressing the disruption caused by coronavirus by placing about 100 of its stores into temporary hibernation this week.

“Largely these are in places where we’ve got two stores close to each other or we’re in a shopping centre that’s told us it’s difficult to stay open for just us.

“Hibernation will allow us to focus colleagues in a slightly smaller number of locations, provide better service to communities in consolidated stores as some colleagues transfer nearby and fill the gaps caused by other colleagues who are currently self-isolation.

“Where it’s not possible to transfer colleagues to a nearby store or other work, we’ll be seeking to actively use the government’s furlough scheme to protect jobs for the future.”

Usdaw national officer Dave Gill said: “This is clearly a difficult time for shopworkers on the frontline of providing essential services during the coronavirus emergency.

“We understand why the company feel the need to temporarily streamline the number of outlets and we have emphasised the need for furloughed workers to be volunteers.

“Usdaw continues in negotiations with the company, where we are calling for Poundland to top up the Government scheme, so that our members have no loss of income.”

The list of the first stores closing temporarily are:
Birmingham Corporation Street
Farnham
Ilford The Mall SC
Nottingham Chilwell RP
Truro
Swansea Fforestfach RP
Gateshead Team Valley RP
Ebbw Vale FOC
Crewe
Watford 77 High Street
Chester Old Sealand RP
Falmouth
Ormskirk Two Saints RP
Pontefract
Wick RP
Walsall Saddlers SC
Christchurch
Selly Oak RP
Whitehaven
Droylsden
Barrow in Furness Hindpool RP
Yardley Swan SC
Meadowhall SC
Manchester Arndale SC
York Monks Cross RP
Carlisle Scotch Street
Hammersmith Kings Street
Sutton Coldfield
Oswestry
Newport Spytty RP
Rotherham Parkgate RP
Kings Lynn Vancouver SC