Exact dates Wilko stores will return to the high street revealed – see full list
THE dates when new Wilko stores will return have been announced – and it could be sooner than you expected.
The British were heartbroken when the much-loved Wilko announced it would close all its stores.
But now it is making a comeback with the launch of new stores in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The opening dates of the two newest stores, located in St Albans (The Maltings) and Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park), have now been revealed.
Both will open on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 am.
Wilko said: “The new stores offer shoppers everything they need to get all their home and garden jobs done.”
It's because the retailer has revealed that too next one store will be Poole, Dorset.
Work on the Dolphin Center location is expected to begin soon and the store's opening date will be announced shortly thereafter.
The announcement in Poole follows successful concept store launches in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton.
Wilko will also become “bigger and better” than before and popular functions such as next day delivery and flexible payment terms are being re-enabled.
Wilko CEO Alex Simpkin said: “The initial response to the new concept stores has been even better than we had hoped. We have seen queues from both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback gives us confidence we must continue with our store opening plans.
“We are in advanced negotiations with a number of landlords and continue to assess all options as part of our rollout plan. All interested real estate agents or landlords can contact us.
“We will continue our efforts to prioritize ex-Wilko employees as part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”
Wilko broke the news that it would close all of its stores in September 2023, devastating loyal customers.
The retailer went bankrupt after being hit hard by inflationary pressures, competition from rivals and supply chain challenges.
Administrators from PwC were called in, but talks with interested companies failed to result in a company-wide rescue deal, with a possible takeover by HMV owner Doug Putman falling through.
After the collapse, shoppers here relived the feeling that the brand had been acquired by The Range in a £5 million deal – meaning the name would live on.
Customers took to Instagram to hear the store was relaunching online.
One user said: “Run straight to the garden area.”
Another said: “Absolutely delighted.”
“Yassss, so happy to see this,” said a third.
The retailer said on
“You will see your favorite Wilko own brand products coming back soon.