TWO sales experts have dished the dirt on what items are worth picking up in the Wilko’s huge sale – and the ones to steer clear of.
The retailer has launched a giant sale with up to 50% off at all its 400 stores across the country.
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It comes amid hopes the chain can be saved, including 12,500 jobs, after crashing into administration.
The latest discounts are being offered on top of what’s been advertised as an “administration sale” – though some shoppers have complained they can’t see the cheap prices in their local stores.
You’ll only find these discounts in stores as you can no longer shop with Wilko online after it stopped home delivery and click and collect.
You can find your nearest Wilko branch by using the retailer’s store locator on its website.
But remember stock availability and prices can vary from one store to the next.
The Sun understands that new stock is still arriving in stores though, after many shoppers complained of empty shelves.
To help you pick the treasures from the trash in Wilko’s latest sale, The Sun spoke to two retail experts, who reveal the best items to pick up – and what’s not worth your money.
Always remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you were going to buy it anyway.
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It’s not worth impulsively purchasing something if you didn’t want it in the first place.
Plus, if you do buy something in Wilko’s closing down sale, bear in mind you risk not being able to get a refund if stores do close.
For that reason, it might be worth buying from a company that will be around next summer to help if anything goes wrong with a product.
Stationery
A-Level students fresh off the back of their results on Thursday may want to head down to their nearest Wilko branch to pick up stationery for the new academic year.
The retailer has slashed prices by 30% on everything from pens to diaries.
Tom Church, co-founder of latestdeals.co.uk, said: “You may be starting to think about essentials you or your kids will need in September.
“I think it’s well worth a trip to see if there are bargains you can nab.”
Toys
Wilko has also reduced the price of its toys by up to 30% – and you could use it as a chance to stock up ahead of Christmas.
The retailer sells everything from art sets to family games so there’s a range of products to choose from.
Karen Green, a B2B sales expert and former retail buyer for Tesco and Boots, said: “If you’ve got kids and not got a lot of money for stockings this Christmas, you could use the sale as a chance to fill them up for cheap.”
Christmas decorations
Again, if you’re looking to get ahead this year, you’ll want to nab some Christmas decorations – Wilko has slashed prices by up to 50%.
Usually discounts on festive items don’t appear until close to the big day itself, or afterwards in the Boxing Day sales.
Karen said Wilko has a great range of fake Christmas trees including a 7ft flocked fir tree.
She added: “If you want to put on a display outside your house, they’ve got light up reindeer with good reviews as well.
“And a festive blow up 6ft Santa.”
It’s worth checking a product’s rating on Wilko’s website before scanning at the tills though to ensure it will last.
Garden and seasonal
Retailer’s often reduce stock at the end of each season, so you might want to pick up some summer items in the Wilko sale now.
It has slashed prices on a number of garden essentials by up to 30% as well.
Tom said: “This is an ideal opportunity to purchase gardening tools, plants and even seasonal decor.”
Meanwhile, Karen added: “Barbecues and garden furniture are worth buying.
“It’s getting late in the season, but if you’ve got somewhere to store them you might pick up a bargain.”
What to avoid buying in the Wilko sale
Wilko stocks a huge range of goods – one of the reasons it hasn’t lasted on the high street – but it might be worth avoiding branded items such as Nivea, Bic, Kelloggs and Tefal.
Karen said: “Definitely see if you can get it cheaper elsewhere if it’s a brand.”
Karen suggested using Google Shopping and entering a product to see how it compares price-wise across different retailers.
You can also use websites like PriceRunner, Price Spy and Idealo.
But, she added, even if you are buying own-brand Wilko items, make sure the reviews stack up on the chain’s website.
“If you are looking to get something solid and trustworthy, avoid own label, unless you’ve seen a good review.”
As part of the sale, Wilko has slashed prices on a number of products by 20%.
The retailer has cut prices across decorating, DIY, home, houseware and kitchen departments.
But, you might be able to get products from these departments cheaper at other retailers for now.
Plus, Wilko could still slash prices further in the coming weeks, like Paperchase, which started with 20% off but upped it to 50% off after falling into administration earlier this year.
Karen said: “You might get stuff cheaper at B&M, IKEA or The Range.
“And it might be worth waiting and seeing what comes later in the sale and whether they reduce prices on stock again.”
Meanwhile, Tom added: “I’ve heard from people who have managed to get into store already that the worst deals so far are on home decor items.
“For example, figurines, cushions, and so on.”
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