Wilko Stores Will Disappear From the High Street BUT the Brand will Live On

In the wake of Wilko’s recent fall into administration, several businesses have come forward to acquire the struggling retailer. However, despite these acquisitions, Wilko’s presence on the high street is set to diminish.

PwC administrators have been working to sell off Wilko’s assets, which include its brand and stores, as efforts to secure a comprehensive rescue deal for the entire business proved unsuccessful.

Unions have voiced concerns that nearly all of Wilko’s 12,500 employees are likely to lose their jobs, although there is hope that some may be re-employed.

Wilko, a company owned by its founding family for decades, boasted approximately 12,500 employees across 400 stores prior to entering administration. A last-minute rescue deal, orchestrated by HMV owner Doug Putman, unfortunately fell through on Monday.

Regrettably, neither of the Swindon stores were included in any rescue deal and they are set to close next week.

Nevertheless, the news of other companies stepping in to acquire parts of Wilko means the brand itself will live on.

Companies Acquiring Wilko

The Range Rival company, The Range, has successfully secured a deal to purchase the Wilko brand, along with the Wilko website. Administrators have reported that 36 Wilko employees have transitioned to The Range, and online operations are expected to resume in early October. The Range, with 210 stores across the UK, has confirmed its intention to offer Wilko products in-store and provide a click-and-collect service.

Poundland Pepco, the owner of Poundland, will acquire up to 71 Wilko stores. These former Wilko branches will be rebranded as Poundland stores, and the goal is to reopen the closed branches by the end of 2023. Barry Williams, Managing Director of Pepco, commented on the deal, stating, “In the coming weeks, we will work quickly with landlords to open these stores as Poundlands, featuring the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development. Once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.”

B&M B&M European Value Retail has agreed to purchase up to 51 Wilko stores from administrators for £13 million. These stores will be relaunched under the B&M brand.