The retailer’s 164 branches were scheduled to reopen yesterday following their closure in March as the country went into lockdown, the Mirror reported.

Although Homebase counts as an “essential retailer” and could have stayed open, the stores closed to ensure the protection of staff.

Last week Homebase opened 20 stores as a trial. Another 50 followed on Wednesday, after it was clear that the first tranche of openings had been successful.