Wilko announces where two new stores will open as it returns to high street

16 January 2024 , 12:30

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One of the new Wilko stores opening next month (Image: Carl Eve)

The owner of The Range has announced the locations of its next two new Wilko stores.

The beloved high street retailer will open two new sites in St Albans (The Maltings) and in Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park). The new shops will open in spring 2024 although exact dates have not yet been announced.

It comes after new owner CDS Superstores, which also owns The Range, reopened the first Wilko stores last month in Plymouth and Exeter. A third store has also since opened in Luton.

CDS Superstores bought the Wilko name and website after the firm collapsed in early August. The new owner has teased how potentially 300 more shops could follow in 2024, including in Northern Ireland for the first time.

As well as opening new stores, The Range now sells Wilko branded goods, including home, garden, pet and lifestyle products, across its stores. It has also reopened the Wilko website. Before its collapse, Wilko employed around 12,500 workers and had more than 400 stores. The Range is prioritising ex-Wilko employees for jobs.

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Administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers were unable to find a buyer for the entire Wilko business, meaning its store leases and other assets had to be sold off in parts. Poundland has agreed to take on the leases of up to 71 Wilko shops, while B&M announced it will buy up to 51 Wilko stores.

CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and wilko, Alex Simpkin said; “The initial reaction to the new concept stores has been even better than we’d hoped, we’ve seen queues of both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback is giving us the confidence we need to continue with our store opening plans.

“We’re in advanced negotiations with a number of landlords and are continuing to review all options as a part of our roll-out plan. Any interested agents or landlords should get in touch. We’ll continue to endeavour to give ex-wilko employees priority as a part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”

In more good news, Wilko recently posted on its Facebook page and confirmed its fan favourite pick and mix sweets will be making a return. A post read: "You didn't think we'd re-open without Pick & Mix, did you? We're cola bottle fans, personally..."

Levi Winchester