The budget retailer is making a return to the UK high street after a high-profile collapse last summer – opening two stores in the UK heading into the Easter weekend with more to follow
Popular budget retailer Wilko is set to continue its return to the high street announcing a number of new locations where the shop will be making a comeback.
The bargain store plans to open new branches across the UK including two in time for the Easter weekend. The much-loved shop is bouncing back after its well-documented difficulties last summer. After taking over The Range and Wilko, CDS Superstores made an announcement at the end of last year about their intention to bring Wilko back into town and city centres. They’ve already successfully re-opened three former Wilko locations, first welcoming shoppers back in December.
Where more Wilko stores will open:
- Croydon Purley Way (Next Home).
- Carlisle (Next Home).
- Camberley.
- York Vangarde Retail Park.
- Leicester Fosse Park West.
- Nottingham Giltbrook.
- Leeds Birstall Retail Park.
- Thurrock (Next Home).
- Ipswich Martlesham Heath.
- Maidstone Eclipse.
Two new Wilko shops are set to open their shutters in time of the Easter weekend. The stores in St Albans at The Maltings and in Rotherham at Parkgate Shopping Park open on March 29 at 9am in the morning, reports Birmingham Live. When first unveiling plans for these new stores, Wilko said: “The new stores will offer shoppers everything they need to get all their home and garden jobs done.”
The announcement follows successful trials of new-style stores in Plymouth, Exeter, and Luton. Wilko has plans to bounce back “bigger and better” than before, promising popular features like next-day delivery options and convenient payment terms. Alex Simpkin, the Chief Executive Officer of Wilko, said: “The initial reaction to the new concept stores has been even better than we’d hoped, we’ve seen queues of both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback is giving us the confidence we need to continue with our store opening plans.
“We’re in advanced negotiations with a number of landlords and are continuing to review all options as a part of our roll-out plan. Any interested agents or landlords should get in touch. We’ll continue to endeavour to give ex-Wilko employees priority as a part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”
In September 2023, Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops, leaving loyal customers heartbroken. The retailer went under after struggling with inflationary pressures, competition from rivals and supply chain challenges. Administrators PwC were brought in but talks with interested firms failed to secure a rescue deal for the whole company with a potential takeover by HMV owner Doug Putman falling through. After its collapse, shoppers were relieved to hear that The Range had bought the brand in a £5million deal – meaning the name would live on.
The discount store later revealed it would be selling Wilko products in its stores, before then announcing the return of brick-and-mortar shops. Several competitors have snapped up parts of Wilko’s store portfolio, including Poundland, which bought 71 stores. All these sites are now open.
