Poundland has confirmed it's opening a brand new store in Wales one day after lockdown starts, but has told shoppers to only visit if it's essential.
It comes after the Welsh Government outlined details of a two week fire-break which starts on Friday, October 23, and will see certain businesses and venues, including bars, restaurants and most shops close.
Following the announcement, Poundland confirmed it would remain trading as an essential retailer as it claims that "over 70 per cent" of what it sells are the everyday essentials customers need.
The budget retailer is also opening a brand new store in Maesteg on Saturday, October 24, but has urged shoppers to only visit if it's essential
While the new store will offer a wide range of groceries and household essentials to shoppers in the area, Poundland has stressed customers should heed Welsh Government advice and only visit if they need to.
Based in Castle Street, the budget retailer has said colleagues in the new store are ready to play their role in supporting the local community during these extraordinary times.
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Poundland said the new Maesteg store would operate to the highest standards of safety with barrier screens at checkouts and thorough and regular cleaning regimes applied across the day, while customers will be asked to observe Government guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks.
Poundland's retail director, Austin Cooke, said: "While we're proud to be opening in Maesteg and look forward to providing our new customers with the food and other essentials they need, these are not normal times.
"During the short fire-break, we're there for the essentials customers need and in the longer term our colleagues are ready to play a big part in the community in Maesteg in the months and years ahead."
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Variety stores such as B&M, Wilko and Home Bargains confirmed to WalesOnline they would continue to trade during lockdown, you can read their response to the fire-break here. And you can find out how B&Q will operate during the two week fire-break here.
The Welsh Government has ordered all non-essential retail to close during the fire-break period and warned people to avoid unnecessary visits to those that remain open.
It said: "Shops allowed to remain open include supermarkets and other food retailers, pharmacies, banks and post offices.
"However, wherever possible people should avoid unnecessary visits to these, and use alternative approaches such as online services and deliveries."
