CASH Converters stores will begin reopening across Southampton from Monday, the chain has said.

Staff at the Bitterne Road and Shirley Road stores are working to put extra safety precautions in place to make the stores “Covid secure” for employees and customers.

Cash Converters’ UK chief executive Peter Hall said: “We know our customers are as keen as we are to ensure we reopen quickly but safely, and that has been an absolutely critical part of our work to get ready for a phased reopening from June 15.

“We’re the number one high street retailer of pre-owned goods and people rely on us being there for them, so we want to return to our local communities as soon as possible and once again offer the products and services our customers need. We want customers to know they can buy from us with confidence, and we will have all necessary protections and social distancing measures in place once we’re open again.”

The chain says it expects a surge in spending, with bikes, musical instruments, laptops, phones and leisure equipment expected to sell fast in the first few weeks.

Customers who already have their property in the stores under their pawnbroking, layby or buyback schemes have been told they will not face any additional fees if the redemption date passed during the lockdown closure.

When the stores are open, customers will have 10 days to redeem or extend buyback items.