Wilko stores that closed after the retailer collapsed into administration in August have begun reopening today.
Last month, The Range owner CDS Superstores announced that it was bringing back Wilko shops to high streets and retail parks, having bought the brand from administrators in September.
Branches in the Armada shopping centre in Plymouth and Guildhall shopping centre in Exeter reopened their doors this morning. Two further sites are due to open before Christmas, including one in Luton’s Arndale Centre next Friday.
WE’RE BACK!
Our new stores in Plymouth and Exeter are officially open! Let us know if you’re planning to pop by this weekend.#lovewilko #wilko pic.twitter.com/Wobr3cMEtJ
— wilko.com (@LoveWilko) December 1, 2023
The company noted that the majority of staff in the first two stores had previously worked for the retailer.
CDS has stated that it is planning an “aggressive” roll-out of Wilko outlets next year once it has tested its initial “concept” stores. Wilko branded products are also being stocked in The Range outlets.
The new Wilko shops will sell products the chain was previously known for, covering categories such as household, DIY, garden, homeware, and pets. New in-store services featured in the Plymouth and Exeter sites include key cutting, paint mixing and carpet cleaning hire.
Alex Simpkin, Chief Executive officer of CDS, said: “The customer reaction to the new stores opening today has been fantastic and proves we’re doing the right thing in returning this much-loved retailer to UK high streets.”
Earlier this week, the former management of Wilko offered their explanations as to why the chain collapsed.
NAM Implications:
- A pointer for other ex-Wilko stores?
- Apart from obvious online opportunities…
- …there has to be residual demand for a ‘Wilko’ presence on the high street.
