Could B&M purchase Wilko?
Sources told The Sun that B&M has an interest in saving parts of Wilko’s business but a spokesman refused to comment on the matter.
The bargain discounter was founded in 1978 and is now dubbed one of the leading variety retailers in the UK.
The chain’s first store opened in Blackpool, Lancashire and its estate has grown to over 700 stores nationwide.
The brand employs more than 35,000 staff.
B&M is in the middle of opening another 30 new stores by the end of the year – with a focus on retail parks.
But the chain has succeeded in out of town locations in big retail parks which puts into question as to whether Wilko’s estate would prove valuable for B&M’s growth.
Most of Wilko’s stores are located on the high street, where shoppers tend to buy less and rents are higher, making them less appealing to any potential buyer.
Retail analyst Richard Hyman told The Sun: “I’m not sure any of the string discounters would want the stores – they have generally avoided high streets to focus on retail parks, which are better locations for this kind of retailing.”
