Wilko to close 15 shops across the UK

Its described as ‘another nail in the high street’s coffin’

Author: Demi OlutunmogunPublished 10th Jan 2022

Wilko has announced that it will close 15 of its stores in England and Wales.

The closures could affect more than 300 jobs.

It comes as the GMB Union calls for commercial rents overhaul, describing the announcement as ‘another nail in the high street’s coffin’.

Which Wilko stores are set to close in the UK?

  • Bournemouth
  • Stockton
  • The Fort
  • Shipley
  • Scunthorpe
  • Narborough Road
  • Grantham
  • Redditch
  • Rotherham
  • Skegness
  • Sutton Coldfield
  • Orpington
  • Edmonton Green
  • Llanelli
  • Merthyr Tydfil
  • Cleethorpes

Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko's chief executive said:

"Our history is steeped in serving our customers and communities going back to 1930 but there's no denying the way people shop with us and where they want to shop with us is changing.

"As a business we're evolving and this includes working with landlords for more favourable terms, as well as looking at locations and store formats.

"We'll be doing everything we can to support our affected team members who will be offered any available positions in nearby stores."

When will the closures be taking place?

Planned closures include Shipley, Bournemouth and Stockton next month, Scunthorpe in March, Grantham and Redditch in May, Rotherham, Skegness and Sutton Coldfield in June, Llanelli in August, Merthyr Tydfil in September and Cleethorpes in October.

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