Wilko is to close 52 stores across the UK and make over 1,300 employees redundant as talks continue with potential buyers to save the remainder of the collapsed retailer.
As a result, around 1,016 workers will be affected by the closures which will take place between 12 and 14 September, with a further 299 employees set to be made redundant this week at Wilko’s Worksop and Newport distribution centres.
According to administrators, PwC was “actively working with potential buyers” and claimed the 52 closing stores “do not form part of any ongoing interest in the Wilko store portfolio”.
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“In the absence of viable offers for the whole business, very sadly store closures and redundancies of team members from those stores are now necessary, in addition to the already announced redundancies at the support centre and distribution centres,” PwC joint administrator Edward Williams said.
“We know this has been a deeply unsettling time for everyone concerned and would like to express our gratitude to all Wilko team members for the dedication and support they have continued to give the business in the most trying of circumstances.”
The move comes as B&M acquired 51 Wilko stores for £13 million after the company went into administration in August.
In an update to investors, the discount retailer said: “The consideration is fully funded from existing cash reserves and the acquisition is not expected to be conditional on any regulatory clearances.”
