THE dates when new Wilko stores will return have been revealed – and it might be sooner than you expected.
Brits were heartbroken when beloved Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops.
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But now it’s now making a comeback launching new stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The opening date of the two newest stores, located in St Albans, (The Maltings) and Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park), has now been revealed.
Both will open on Good Friday, 29th March 2024 at 9am.
Wilko said: “The new stores will offer shoppers everything they need to get all their home and garden jobs done.”
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It comes as the retailer has also revealed that its next store will be Poole, Dorset.
Work is expected to begin soon at the Dolphin Centre site and the store opening date will be announced shortly after.
The announcement in Poole follows successful concept store launches in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton.
Wilko are also set to be “bigger and better” than before and popular features like next day delivery and flexible payment terms will be re-enabled.
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CEO of wilko, Alex Simpkin said: “The initial reaction to the new concept stores has been even better than we’d hoped, we’ve seen queues of both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback is giving us the confidence we need to continue with our store opening plans.
“We’re in advanced negotiations with a number of landlords and are continuing to review all options as a part of our roll-out plan. Any interested agents or landlords should get in touch.
Inside a brand new Wilko store open in time for Christmas with decorations that look just like expensive John Lewis ones
“We’ll continue to endeavour to give ex-wilko employees priority as a part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”
Wilko announced the news it would be closing all of its shops in September 2023, devastating loyal customers.
The retailer collapsed after being hit hard by inflationary pressures, competition from rivals and supply chain challenges.
Administrators PwC were called in but talks with interested firms failed to secure a rescue deal for the whole company with a potential takeover by HMV owner Doug Putman collapsing.
Following its collapse shoppers were relived to here the brand had been scooped up by The Range in a £5million deal – meaning the name would live on.
Customers were overjoyed on Instagram after learning the store was being relaunched online.
One user said: “Runs straight to the garden section.”
Another said: “Totally elated.”
“Yassss so happy to see this,” said a third.
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The retailer said on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We’re so overwhelmed by the love for Wilko and are pleased to announce that wilko.com is available to shop online – with new lines being added every day.
“You’ll start to see your favourite Wilko-own brand products returning soon.
