Wilko went into administration last year (Picture: PA)
Wilko, the home and gardenware store where it’s easier to say what it doesn’t sell than what it does, is back.
Proving that we are truly becoming a proper country again, the beloved budget retailer is reopening after it went into administration last year.
Wilko employed around 12,500 workers and had more than 400 stores before its collapse in August 2023.
But the brand was bought by rival retailer The Range for £5million.
CDS Superstores, which owns and operates The Range, is reportedly keen to open 300 stores under the Wilko logo.
Six have opened so far, with the latest in Poole opening this morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and 300 shoppers lining up to be the first inside.
Sadly none in London just yet (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Poole branch is inside the Dolphin Shopping Centre and also sells Iceland frozen food products.
CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, Alex Simpkin said: ‘We are thrilled by the incredible turnout at today’s Poole store opening, which marks a very positive start to our residence at the Dolphin Centre.
The new Wilko in Poole had a red ribbon opening ceremony, of course (Picture: Wilko)
‘We’re excited to continue expanding our high street presence, bringing quality products at great value prices to local communities and our loyal customers.’
Joy and did-I-see-that-right double-takes have also been seen in Exeter, Luton, St Albans and Rotherham which have all seen new Wilko return to the high street over the last few months.
Plymouth was the first to Wilko’s comeback, with a branch opening in December.
Full list of Wilko stores – so far
Plymouth, Armada Shopping Centre
Exeter, Guildhall Shopping Centre
Luton, Luton Point
St Albans, The Maltings
Rotherham, Parkgate Shopping Park
Poole, Dolphin Centre
Wilko is, alas, being very tight-lipped about where new branches are set to open.
We have, of course, done our journalistic duty and contacted Wilko to let us know about future store openings.
The company has been scouting for new locations and dusting off the tills at old Wilko shops.
‘We’re in discussions with a huge number of landlords regarding sites,’ Simpkin told The Sun.
‘Yes, it’s important for us to open stores but they have to be the right locations.’
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