A month after The Range agreed a deal with Wilko’s administrators to buy the retail brand and its website, the online store was back trading yesterday.
The relaunched Wilko.com is based on The Range’s marketplace model, which also allows third-party suppliers to sell on the website. Categories include health & beauty, cleaning & household, decorating & DIY, garden & outdoor, home & furniture, pets & wildlife, storage, and technology.
The retailer stated that it is planning to introduce hundreds of new lines and own-label products, along with a next-day delivery option. Standard home delivery currently costs £4.95, with free delivery on orders over £100.
Meanwhile, Wilko branded products are set to start appearing in The Range stores later this month.
Alex Simpkin, Chief Executive of The Range, commented: “For 93 years, Wilko has been a fixture of many British households, synonymous for its breadth of products offering great quality value. It was important to us that the brand had a future.
“Using our online and digital expertise, our intention is to continue to offer the best of Wilko brands and products alongside a breadth of household brands to its loyal customers who we hope will be happy to see this trusted brand live on.”
The Range has expanded rapidly in recent years and saw its sales soar to nearly £2bn during the pandemic after being classed as an essential retailer. Last year, the chain’s founder Chris Dawson, said it had been snapping up stores left empty by the likes of Debenhams, John Lewis, and other struggling retailers.
NAM Implications:
- Things have to happen fast in online retail.
- Congrats to The Range.
- Wilko provides extra scale and coverage.
- And a basis for range extension.
- All from Wilko’s 93-year franchise with UK consumers.
- Watch this space…
