Wilko as a physical store brand is closing down most of its stores, with all of its approximately 400 stores across the UK expected to be closed by October 8, 2023. The company went into administration in August 2023, and after unsuccessful talks with buyers, the majority of the stores have been or are being closed as of September and October 2023. Some sites have been sold to other retailers like B&M and Poundland, and the Wilko brand and intellectual property were bought by The Range, which plans to sell Wilko-branded products online. Key points:
- Wilko stores began closing in September 2023, with final closures by October 8, 2023.
- Around 12,500 jobs were at risk due to the closures.
- The Range bought the Wilko brand and plans to continue selling Wilko products online.
- Some physical store locations have been taken over by retailers like B&M and Poundland but will not operate under the Wilko brand anymore.
Thus, Wilko is not operating physical stores any longer as of October 2023, but the brand lives on online under new ownership.
