Wilko will return to the High Street with the brand’s new owner opening up to five shops before Christmas.
The Range’s Chris Dawson, a tycoon dubbed the ‘Del Boy billionaire’ who also bought Wilko’s website after its collapse, will launch the first two shops in Plymouth and Exeter.
CDS Superstores, which owns The Range, said former Wilko staff would be given priority in the recruitment process for the new shops.
Wilko collapsed in early August, leading to nearly 12,500 job losses and the closure of its 408 stores. The disappearance had left many shoppers bereft, CDS bosses said yesterday.
Wilko’s struggle to keep up with competition from discount retailers, including The Range, B&M and Poundland was partly blamed.
Cushty: Chris Dawson with his personalised Bentley
The Range was set up by Dawson in 1989 and now has 213 stores across the UK.
The 71-year-old has previously said he has tried to emulate Topshop tycoon Philip Green and Only Fools And Horses character Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter.
He even has a Bentley that sports £35,000 DE11 BOY number plates.
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