New concept stores opened in Plymouth and Exeter last week, ahead of a national roll-out under ownership of The Range.
Wilko said it received a strong welcome back to the high street, with queues of customers eager to shop again in the stores following the retailer’s collapse into administration in August. The next store to open will be Luton on 8 December.
The stores offer everything Wilko customers would expect, with product ranging across seven key categories – kitchen, cleaning, storage, garden, DIY, decorating and pet. The Exeter branch also features an in-store café – Café Eighty-Nine.
When recruiting staff for the new stores, ex-Wilko employees were prioritised with 75% of the original team returning in Plymouth, and a third in Exeter.
The new stores deliver what Wilko as a brand is known for, including its own-brand capabilities and digital marketplace, maximising the operational efficiencies of CDS Superstores, via its buying expertise and infrastructure.
Alexander Simpkin, ceo of CDS Superstores, commented: “The customer reaction to the new stores opening today has been fantastic and proves we’re doing the right thing in returning this much-loved retailer to UK high streets.”
