Wilko has collapsed into administration after emergency rescue talks fell through, putting 12,000 jobs and 400 stores at risk.
The High Street homeware chain, which opened its first single hardware store in Leicester in 1930, has now appointed PwC to seek out potential buyers.
Mark Jackson, chief executive of Wilko, said in an open letter that it had ‘left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business.’
But as it falls into administration, what are your rights as a customer regarding refunds, vouchers and deliveries? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Wilko has collapsed into administration after emergency rescue talks fell through, putting 12,000 jobs and 400 stores at risk
What are your refund rights as Wilko enters administration?
PwC will accept returns for items purchased in store before Wilko went into administration on August 10.
However, they won’t accept returns for items purchased later than this date, so don’t buy anything new from the chain unless you’re sure you want to keep it.
In terms of online purchases, PwC has not yet confirmed if it will be accepting returns.
However, consumer rights law states that if you change your mind after buying something online, you have 14 days get a full refund.
Additionally, the law also states that if an item is faulty you should be offered a repair, replacement, or refund.
PwC has confirmed it will offer a full refund on faulty goods if you take them in store, alongside proof of purchase, within 30 days after you bought it.
PwC will accept returns for items purchased in store before Wilko went into administration on August 10
What happens to gift cards and vouchers when a retailer goes into administration?
When a retailer goes into administration, the administrators are allowed to change gift card and voucher terms and conditions.
As of right now, PwC says Wilko will continue to accept Wilko-branded gift cards in-store.
Although it will no longer be accepting multi-retailer gift cards, for example those sold by Love2Shop, so you will need to spend those elsewhere. This shouldn’t be a problem due to their nature.
If you have gift cards or vouchers, the rule of thumb is usually that if you hear a firm is going under spend the voucher ASAP. After a certain point, being able to use them may not be guaranteed.
Despite PwC confirming that all Wilko stores will remain open for the time being, you will no longer be able to place home deliveries
Can I still make Wilko home delivery orders and receive my parcels?
Despite PwC confirming that all Wilko stores will remain open for the time being, you will no longer be able to place home deliveries for any items.
The website will only be accepting click and collect orders, meaning you have to go into store to collect your goods yourself.
However, doing this may not be wise as if you place a click and collect order and Wilko stops trading before you get it, you may be left unable to get a refund. Shopping in store may be the safest option for now.
How to try get your money back as Wilko enters administration?
If you’re returning something soon that was purchased before August 10, you’re unlikely to have any issues.
Though if you can’t get a return from Wilko in the future, due to them stopping trading, hope is not lost.
If you can’t get a refund on something from Wilko directly, you have a good chance if you paid using a debit or credit card and spent above a certain amount.
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if you pay for something costing more than £100 the card firm is as equally liable as Wilko if something goes wrong.
If you paid with a debit card your bank should try to get your money back from the bank of the firm you purchased from.
Though be aware that if you’re paid, the firm itself can sometimes dispute it with the bank and the money may later be taken back.
If you don’t get your money back, you join a list of creditors who are owed money by the business – the list will be long so this option is unlikely.
