Wilko Set to Make a High Street Comeback Under The Range Ownership
A High Street Revival Announced
The Range, the new owner of Wilko, has made a significant announcement regarding the revival of the beloved brand on the UK high streets.
Five standalone Wilko stores are set to open before the Christmas season, marking an unexpected return for the collapsed retailer.
Locations and Future Expansion
The first two standalone stores will be located in Plymouth and Exeter, both in Devon.
Two additional locations in the South East and one in the North of England are due to be revealed soon.
Furthermore, plans are in place to open more stores next year in towns and villages across England, Scotland, Wales, and, for the first time, Northern Ireland.
These stores will include a mix of former Wilko locations and new sites, with the involvement of original Wilko employees.
In-Store Shopping Experience
Customers visiting these new standalone Wilko stores will have the opportunity to shop for a wide range of products, including cleaning and household items, decorating and DIY supplies, garden and outdoor products, homeware, pet and wildlife essentials, storage solutions, and Christmas items.
In-store terminals will allow customers to make home delivery orders, offering access to over 100,000 items.
Wilko’s Recent History and Closure
Wilko, a 93-year-old discount retailer, experienced financial difficulties and closed its final high street shops three weeks ago when it went into administration.
Administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) had sold off assets, including the Wilko brand and certain store properties, to settle outstanding debts.
The Range’s Acquisition and Wilko Products
The Range acquired the Wilko brand, website, and intellectual property for £5 million as part of this process.
The announcement now includes the reintroduction of Wilko products to The Range’s existing stores across the UK.
These products encompass home, garden, pet, and lifestyle items, and are also available for purchase on the Wilko.com website.
Conclusion:
The news of Wilko’s return to UK high streets under The Range’s ownership marks a surprising and welcome development.
This announcement, which includes the locations of the first standalone Wilko stores and plans for future expansion, underscores the resilience of a beloved brand and its ability to make a comeback.
The Range’s decision to include Wilko products in its existing stores and online further signals its commitment to satisfying customer demand.
This story reflects the enduring connection between a well-loved retailer and its loyal customers and employees.