Shoppers ‘proud’ as final 41 Wilko stores closing within hours

SHOPPERS have spoken of their pride as Wilko gears up to close its remaining 41 branches in the UK.

The discounter, which crashed into administration on August 10, has been shutting hundreds of stores since last month.

And shoppers will bid farewell as its last 41 shops close their doors for good tomorrow.

Locations in London, Liverpool and Cardiff will all be pulling down their shutters for the final time.

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Meanwhile, a third said: “I always loved looking round Wilko – another one bites the dust, such a shame.”

And a fourth added: “Loved Wilko! Thoughts and prayers for all staff, managers.”

Wilko has been shutting its branches in stages since September 12, when it started closing locations in Liverpool, Suffolk and Cardiff.

More closures followed on September 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28 and into October.

It comes after the retailer crashed into administration on August 10 after talks with a number of potential rescuers stalled.

A number of bids were put in to salvage some stores and jobs, including one from the billionaire owner of HMV, Doug Putman.

But his last gasp effort failed due to rising running costs.

Some of the empty Wilko units will be reopening though, including 51 locations snapped up by B&M as part of a £13million deal.

The majority of the new stores are expected to be rebranded under the discounter’s name, it is understood.

Meanwhile, Poundland has bought out 71 Wilko locations with a view to opening them under its brand name.

A number of the stores are opening from today, including in Chepstow, Nottingham and South Wales.

Wilko administrators PwC last month also agreed the sale of the retailer’s brand to The Range in a £5million deal.

It will see the Wilko website and brand name live on online despite its stores closing.

Now, a message on the Wilko website is promising customers that home delivery is “returning soon”.