Wilko Announces Comeback with New Store Openings - Is One Near You?
- Wilko reveals plans to launch new stores in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- St Albans and Rotherham confirmed as locations for the next two stores.
- Launch dates scheduled for spring 2024, with more details to be announced soon.
The British high street is set for a significant boost as Wilko announces its return with new store openings across the UK. After closing all its shops last year, Wilko is now poised to make a strong comeback, launching in various locations including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The stores are promised to be "bigger and better", providing customers with a wide range of Wilko-brand products and well-known brands.
The next two stores to open will be in St Albans (The Maltings) and Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park), with their launch dates scheduled for spring 2024. More details about these openings and additional store locations will be released soon. The new stores aim to offer comprehensive solutions for home and garden needs, reinstating popular services like next-day delivery and flexible payment terms.
Wilko's CEO, Alex Simpkin, expressed enthusiasm over the positive initial reactions to the new concept stores. He highlighted the mix of returning and new customers and the constructive feedback received. Simpkin mentioned ongoing negotiations with landlords and encouraged interested parties to come forward, emphasizing that ex-Wilko employees would be given priority in the recruitment process for these new stores.
The news of Wilko's revival follows its closure announcement in September 2023, which came as a blow to many loyal customers. The brand faced numerous challenges, including inflationary pressures and competition, leading to its collapse. However, it found new life after The Range acquired it for £5 million, ensuring the continuation of the Wilko name.
Customer reactions to the relaunch, particularly online, have been overwhelmingly positive. Olivia Allhusen at 49Money reported on this development, noting the excitement and relief among Wilko's customer base, with many expressing their joy on social media platforms.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, "Wilko's return to the high street is a remarkable turnaround story, reflecting the brand's resilience and the enduring affection customers have for it. The new store openings signal not just a revival for Wilko, but a positive moment for retail and consumer choice in the UK."
Yay. Loved Wilko's. Noticed The Range, has been selling some wilko's branded stock. But looking forward to the store coming back.
This is great news ! All those workers hopefully get re-employed. Also great to see a shop coming back instead of so many tak away. Finger crocrossed 
we get our wilko back in our shopping centre in Livingston West Lothian 
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As long as the new wilkos considers their store placements VERY carefully, as NOT ALL of its loyal and long-term customers can get to out of town shopping centres. Having town centre shops was what made wilkos so appealing, with easy access, good parking and very competitive pricing across ALL of their product range.
Welcome home wilkos, long may you be part of our shopping experience.
Maybe the already planned and partially refurbished premesis in the former Woolworths store in Nuneaton town centre will soon see a grand opening and a welcome return of wilkos to the town.