WILKO is set to launch a new sale on hundreds of stores across the country amid fresh hope the beloved retailer can be rescued.
The discounter will slash prices from tomorrow, a source told The Sun.
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The discount comes on top of the “administration sale” being advertised across the bargain retailer’s 400 stores.
But Wilko shoppers have fumed they have not been able to spot discounts in stores beyond the reduced to clear section.
It’s understood that the administration sale had been due to launch this week.
Now, a separate “secondary” sale is set to launch with newly discounted items.
It is not yet clear how big the discounts will be or which products will be on sale.
New signs will be going up in stores from Friday promoting the new offers.
It comes amid fresh hopes the chain could be saved after going bust last week, putting all stores and 12,500 jobs at risk.
Administrators at PwC, who are now in control of the company, are looking at bids from several potential buyers, according to insiders.
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Further bidders could still be considered after a deadline for interested buyers passed on Wednesday.
Sources said the bids will take time to process and an announcement of a decision on Wilko’s future is unlikely to come this week.
The Sun previously reported several potential buyers have shown an interest in buying Wilko.
One could save as many as 300 branches from closing down and would preserve the most jobs.
But it is understood that early expressions of interest were mixed, and the majority of offers are for between 40 to 50 stores.
Discount retailers B&M, The Range, Poundland and Home Bargains have all expressed an interest, according to sources.
Even if a buyer is found, the insolvency process means that a buyer can pick and choose the parts of a business it wants.
This means both the stores and the brand could be saved.
Or Wilko’s new owners may not buy any stores and opt to purchase its remaining stock or brand name only.
John Colley, associate dean of Warwick Business School and an expert on mergers and acquisitions, earlier told The Sun: “Creditors and employees can only hope that one of these trader buyers was sufficiently interested to make a bid.
“They would be more likely to take the bulk of the stores and employees, and the creditors may see some money eventually.
“If there is little concrete interest from trade buyers, then the company may fall into the hands of Private Equity and the firms which specialise in distressed businesses.
“However they drive a hard bargain and inject limited funds. Creditors and employees might have reason to be pessimistic in such circumstances.”
It comes after sources at both Next and Poundstretcher told The Sun that they had no interest in rescuing Wilko.
Following the announcement of the retailer’s collapse, shoppers shared emotional tributes, with many comparing it to the loss of Woolworths.
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