ALL 400 Wilko stores, including its branches in Worcester, Droitwich and Redditch look set to close after a rescue deal for the ailing chain collapsed.
The GMB union has claimed Wilko will disappear from the High Street ‘by early October’ after it was informed by administrators efforts to save it had fallen through.
The billionaire owner of HMV, Doug Putman, hoped to keep up to 300 Wilko shops open, but his bid failed as rising costs complicated the deal.
Administrators are expected to announce the details of further redundancies and store closures to add to the 52 stores set to close this week.
It’s being reported no bidders are interested in running shops under the Wilko name, although some parties are interested in rebranding their stores.
The company has struggled with strong competition from rival chains like B&M, Poundland, The Range and Home Bargains, as the high cost of living has pushed shoppers to seek out bargains.
