An icon of the UK high street
It was a sad day for many across the UK when Wilko closed its doors to the public in October last year.
However, now the popular store famed for its selection of bits and bobs is set to make a big comeback to the UK high street to the delight of many.
Wilko’s saviour Chris Dawson who owns The Range, has said that 300 stores will be opened across the UK in the next five years while noting that the handful of stores currently open are profitable.
Despite no firm target being set, Dawson hopes to open 40 stores annually.
Its most recent reopening comes in Poole in the south coast town’s large Dolphin Centre shopping centre.
Dawson announced: “It’s all systems go now.
“We got the product mix wrong the first two times…and now we’ve got it right.
“We didn’t have enough essentials”.
He added: “Wilko was extremely famous for health and beauty, cleaning and toiletries, and your sort of bits and bobs DIY you’re not expecting a full garden set.”
Although all locations are still to be confirmed, Dawson said the brand would target “all the obvious ones in Liverpool, Manchester and all the big cities, but will do the Loughboroughs in this world too”.
He equally hinted the high street store will make a return to the capital soon as well.
Wilko has steadily been reopening stores nationwide since last December.
Currently there are six stores open in Luton (Arndale Centre), Poole (Dolphin Centre), Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park), St Albans (The Maltings), Exeter (Guildhall Shopping Centre) and Plymouth (Armada Centre).
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Fans of the store took to social media to express their delight upon hearing the news.
One user said: “Even if they were in the city not towns. I like Wilko for bedding & things.”
Another person wrote: “Bring them back to Newcastle please!”
Meanwhile one user said: “Not open in yeovil. Would love to see it come back. Would love to see Woolworths too. And Debenham’s”
Well, keep an eye out on your local high street because a new Wilko could be popping back up near you.
