However, the Covid-19 lockdown still led to the temporary closure of 130 stores and the remaining 700 or so outlets traded through significantly reduced visitor numbers at 60% of expected sales levels for the first four weeks of the lockdown.
Pepco said that 99% of all group stores were now trading, although like-for-like sales remain negative. Before Covid-19, positive like-for-like revenue growth in all brands including Poundland and Dealz was at 2.2% for the five months to February.
The sales impact from Covid-19 towards the end of the trading period meant Pepco today reported a 16.3% fall in first-half profit to €89 million (£80 million).
The group has reduced operating costs at Poundland, with a further 76 store leases renegotiated in the six months at levels ahead of expectations.
