Who has bought Wilko? List of companies that have snapped up stores | UK News
After Wilko tumbled into administration last month, other firms have now snapped up the ailing retailer.
But Wilko stores will still disappear from the high street.
Administrators at PwC have sought to sell off Wilko’s assets in recent weeks, including its brand and shops, after failing to secure a rescue deal for the whole business.
Unions have said nearly all of Wilko’s 12,500 staff are likely to lose their jobs, but some staff might be re-employed. Thursday is set to be the final day of trading for 28 further shops.
Owned by its founding family for decades, Wilko employed about 12,500 people in 400 shops prior to going into administration, and on Monday a last-minute rescue deal put together by HMV owner Doug Putman fell through.
However, the news that other firms have stepped in to buy Wilko means that the the brand is expected to continue, with one saying it will offer Wilko products in its stores and online.
So which companies have bought Wilko?
Let’s find out.
Which companies have bought Wilko?
The Range
Rival firm The Range has sealed a deal to buy the Wilko brand.
It has also bought the Wilko website.
Administrators said 36 Wilko workers had transferred over to The Range and it expects the online operations to restart in early October.
The Range, which has 210 stores across the UK, has confirmed it will sell Wilko products ‘in-store’ and also offer click and collect.
Poundland
Poundland owner Pepco will buy up to 71 Wilko stores.
The ex-Wilko branches will be rebranded as Poundland stores, and it hopes to reopen the closed branches by the end of 2023.
Pepco managing director Barry Williams said of the deal: ‘In the coming weeks we will work quickly with landlords so we can open these stores as Poundland’s with the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development.
‘Once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of the Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.’
B&M
The stores will reopen under the B&M brand.
MORE : When is Wilko closing down? All the dates you need to know
MORE : Farewell, Wilko – where will we go for milestone memories and all our bargain bits?
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