A week after The Range owner CDS Superstores announced that it was bringing back Wilko shops to high streets and retail parks, it has confirmed where and when the first stores will open.
The first two will open in the Armada shopping centre in Plymouth and Guildhall shopping centre in Exeter on 1 December. Meanwhile, another shop will open in the Arndale Centre in Luton on 8 December.
A further two sites are due before Christmas and will be unveiled soon.
Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, said: “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”.
After acquiring the brand from administrators in September, CDS Superstores has already relaunched the Wilko website and is selling Wilko products in some of its own The Range stores.
CDS stated last week that it was planning an “aggressive” rollout of Wilko outlets once it had tested its initial “concept stores”. Both former Wilko locations and new sites are being considered for openings.
The new Wilko shops will sell products the chain was previously known for, covering categories such as household, DIY, garden, homeware, and pets.
NAM Implications:
- Restoring the Wilko brand to the high street…
- …within two months of acquisition…
- …should help The Range to optimise its offering while the Wilko franchise remains top of mind for ‘regulars’.
- Watch this space…
