Norwich Wilko branch shuts doors for final time today

The branch is one of dozens closing today - it's the last Wilko store in Norfolk

The Wilko on St Stephen's Street, Norwich
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 3rd Oct 2023

The Norwich branch of Wilko is to close its doors for the final time today, after the collapse of its parent company.

The high street chain, which entered administration last month, with all 400 remaining stores set to go early this month.

Branches in King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Thetford, Dereham and Lowestoft have already closed.

It comes as Poundland has offered jobs to more than 200 former Wilko workers as it continues to open stores bought by administrators for the collapsed retailer.

Last month, Poundland bought up to 71 Wilko stores from administrator PwC following the collapse of the high street chain.

All of the stores will be relaunched under the Poundland brand, with the first 10 shops reopening their doors last weekend.

No workers were directly transferred to Poundland as part of the rescue deal, but the discount chain encouraged former Wilko staff to apply for roles and said it would "prioritise" them for positions at the stores.

On Tuesday, Poundland said it had made job offers to more than 200 former Wilko staff, with that "number increasing day-by-day".

It came as the Pepco-owned business revealed the next 10 former Wilko stores it will reopen under their brand.

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