Wilko returns to high street today as two new stores open - and hundreds more could follow - The Mirror

Wilko is returning to the UK high street today with two new stores - just months after the retailer collapsed into administration.

The retailer will welcome customers to new shops in Plymouth and Exeter today after being reopened by its CDS Superstores, which owns The Range. CDS Superstores bought the Wilko name and website after the firm collapsed.

Three more stores will open before Christmas, including one in Luton on December 8. The exact locations and dates of the other new shops are yet to be confirmed - but CDS Superstores has teased how potentially 300 more shops could follow in 2024, including in Northern Ireland for the first time.

In more good news, Wilko recently posted on its Facebook page and confirmed its fan favourite pick and mix sweets will be making a return. A post read: "You didn't think we'd re-open without Pick & Mix, did you? We're cola bottle fans, personally..."

As well as opening new stores, The Range now sells Wilko branded goods, including home, garden, pet and lifestyle products, across its stores. It has also reopened the Wilko website.

Before its collapse in August of this year, Wilko employed around 12,500 workers and had more than 400 stores. The Range is prioritising ex-Wilko employees for jobs.

Administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers were unable to find a buyer for the entire Wilko business, meaning its store leases and other assets had to be sold off in parts. Poundland has agreed to take on the leases of up to 71 Wilko shops, while B&M announced it will buy up to 51 Wilko stores.

CEO of CDS Superstores Alex Simpkin said: “It’s clear that there’s a huge love for Wilko and we’re proud to confirm we’ll be re-introducing the brand to high streets in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton in the coming weeks. We’re also glad to be bringing employment opportunities to these towns and for helping local families and communities have easy access to all the everyday home and garden items they need once again.

“This initial rollout is only the beginning for our plans for revitalising the Wilko brand on the nation’s high streets and retail parks, and we’ll be announcing further store launches and re-openings throughout 2024.”

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2023-12-01 07:14:00Z
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