Wilko to Shut 52 Stores Next Week After Collapse
The axe is falling on 52 Wilko stores next week following the retailer’s collapse. PwC, the administrators, revealed that 26 stores will close on Tuesday, September 12, with the remaining 28 shutting their doors by Thursday, September 14. The closures come after no viable offers surfaced to save the entire business.
Over 1,000 Jobs at Risk in Major Retail Shake-up
More than 1,000 Wilko employees face redundancy as hopes for a last-minute rescue deal fade. Shops affected include branches in Liverpool, Cardiff, Acton, and Falmouth. Joint administrator Edward Williams from PwC admitted the closures and job losses are painful but necessary without a buyer for the whole company.
“It’s a sad day for loyal staff and the communities these stores serve,” said Williams.
Earlier this week, administrators confirmed over 1,300 redundancies at the 52 stores and Wilko’s distribution and support centres. Affected staff were formally told at 10am BST.
B&M Bags 51 Stores, But Wilko Brand Fate Unclear
Rival discount giant B&M has struck a £13 million deal to snap up up to 51 Wilko stores. However, the wider Wilko brand and about 300 remaining locations hang in the balance. A bigger rescue bid from HMV boss Doug Putman has hit financial snags.
PwC say they’re still talking to potential buyers for parts of Wilko and hope to save as many jobs as possible – but warn more closures may be on the horizon.
Wilko’s Fall from High Street Favourite to Administration
Wilko, a High Street fixture since 1930 with around 400 shops and 12,500 staff, faced brutal competition from the likes of B&M, Poundland and Home Bargains in recent years. Despite strong growth in the 90s, it struggled to keep pace.
Some rival retailers including Dunelm and Toolstation have invited Wilko workers to apply for their job openings as the turmoil unfolds.
Wilko Stores Closing on 12 September
- Acton
- Aldershot
- Barking
- Bishop Auckland
- Cardiff Bay Retail Park
- Falmouth
- Harpurhey
- Irvine
- 1 Edge Lane
- Llandudno
- Lowestoft
- Nelson
- Port Talbot
- Putney
- Stafford
- Tunbridge Wells
- Wakefield
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- Westwood Cross
- Winsford
Wilko Stores Closing on 14 September
- Ashford
- Avonmeads
- Barrow in Furness
- Basildon, Belle Vale
- Cortonwood
- Dagenham
- Folkestone
- Great Yarmouth
- Hammersmith
- Huddersfield
- Morriston
- New Malden
- North Shields
- Queen Street Cardiff
- Southampton-West Quay
- St Austell
- Stockport
- Truro
- Uttoxeter
- Walsall
- Woking
