Poundland to close 44 stores from tomorrow - the full list. (PA) Poundland will be placing 44 stores in ‘temporary hibernation’ amid a third national lockdown despite being allowed to trade as an essential retailer. The move comes in response to an 80 per cent drop in footfall in some shopping centres and high streets as the UK face stricter restrictions following a rapid rise in coronavirus cases in the UK. The chain said outlets will be closing from Saturday, January 9 but stressed the majority of its 800+ stores will remain open for business to serve their communities. In the first 2020 lockdown, Poundland closed around 120 stores in March and was able to start reopening them from the end of May.