WILKO’S official superfan says the chain “holds a huge place” in her heart and she’ll miss everything about it – and one part in particular.
It comes as the beloved chain fell into administration, putting the future of its stores at risk.
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Louise Smith was officially crowned Wilko’s “biggest fan” in July and just weeks before the shop collapsed.
The 35-year-old from Sunderland won the title after entering a competition on the chain’s TikTok which encouraged avid shoppers to show how much they loved the shop.
She managed to beat out thousands of fellow bargain hunters, winning the £5,000 cash prize as well as a trolley dash around the Leicester branch.
Louise spoke exclusively to The Sun about how the news of Wilko’s potential departure from the high street made her “emotional” and that the chain will be hard to replace.
She said: “Wilko holds a huge place in my heart as it’s been a shop I have regularly visited my entire life.
“It is so special to me, I’ve shopped there since I was a small girl.
“The staff are all lovely and the atmosphere is always relaxed. It’s a great place to shop with a great variety.”
Wilko appointed administrators last Thursday, handing over all control of the business to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
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The Sun revealed that a sale could come as early as the end of this week.
Now, the retailer’s administrators have given interested parties until Wednesday to submit any rescue offers.
And although there could be hope for Wilko fans – the future of the discount chain is still unknown.
Louise, who works in retail herself, described the news as a “great sadness” for the high street.
She said: “It’s been part of my life for a very long time. My heart is with all of the staff and everyone involved.
“What a great sadness brought upon our high streets as another amazing store faces a difficult time.”
Across social media shoppers have been sharing their heartfelt tributes to the discounter.
Some even said they had “tears in their eyes” when they heard the news.
Louise explained: “I feel Wilko is loved by many because of its heritage and brand recognition.
“It has been around for many many years and seen a lot of family generations.
“It’s a lovely place to shop and employs an array of amazing talented people.”
Working in retail herself, Louise said workers tend to become familiar with the same customers and make connections.
“For some people this [Wilko potentially closing] may take away a chat with a weekly friend,” she added.
Among the aspects that Louise says she will miss the most is having a bit of everything under one roof, she said it “will be hard to find somewhere that will live up to Wilko”.
She explained that she’ll continue to shop at Wilko for as long as she can and she hasn’t thought about where else she’d shop if it ceased trading.
Although, her main focus would be to continue to shop on the high street where possible and “seek out amazing deals”.
With prices always reasonable, the superfan said she tends to spend anything from £50 to £100 a shop – picking up items like face masks, bird seed and pet essentials.
She said that if the stores are forced to close their doors she’ll “miss it all” – but in particular the chain’s iconic pick ‘n’ mix selection.
Recently Louise has been sharing her huge shopping hauls at the store with her followers on TikTok under the name @louises5962.
Using the platform she has been encouraging shoppers to head to their local store and share their support.
She said: “I would like our amazing stores to stay [and] staff to keep jobs, and I think it goes without saying that ultimately I want to see Wilko saved and remain on our high street.”
Wilko has now stopped processing click-and-collect orders, meaning shoppers can no longer order online and pick up the delivery in their nearest store.
It had already suspended its home delivery service before administrators were appointed.
The chain has also introduced its “administration sale” this week, promising “thousands” of discounts.
Some shoppers have been left fuming over the prices, while others are facing empty shelves as they head to stores to bag last-minute deals.
Meanwhile, here is the full list of 400 Wilko stores at risk of closing.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
