TEN former Wilko stores have re-opened as Poundland outlets less than two months after the former chain collapsed.
Each of the 10 initial re-openings, which began on Saturday, will be basic to begin with but the stores are set to receive a full makeover in 2024.
The shops will mostly include Poundland items but also a selection of Wilko products that weren't sold during the closing down sales.
The refresh comes as all 400 of the brand's stores are expected to close by early October.
Wilko went into administration on August 10 and attracted a flurry of potential buyers interested in their ownership.
Poundland quickly made itself a frontrunner and purchased 71 stores with the first bunch opening on Saturday.
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Here's the full list of Poundland stores replacing old Wilko sites on Saturday morning (September 30):
- Broad Street, Stafford
- Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, Nelson
- The Peel Centre, Great Portwood Street, Stockport
- The Mall, Church Street, Eccles
- 36-40 London Street, Southport
- Lord Street, Leigh
- 22/28 East Street, Barking
- 88-90 High Street, Maidenhead
- 2 -12 Bede Precinct, Viking Centre, Jarrow
- Unit 2 The Broadway, Scunthorpe
Former Wilko staff are being encouraged to apply for roles at the shops with Poundland management saying they would be “prioritised”.
Darren Kay, retail director at Poundland, said: “We’re pleased to be able to re-open so quickly – not least because our ambition is to provide job opportunities for former Wilko colleagues.
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“Of course, we’re not yet in a position to offer our fullest ranges in these stores, but we know customers will appreciate a shop that’s open, trading and employing colleagues to one that’s got its shutters closed.
“We’d encourage customers old and new to come and say hello to their new Poundland team from this coming Saturday in each of these 10 locations.”
All of the former Wilko stores bought by Poundland are aimed to be opened by the end of 2023.
B&M also purchased 51 former Wilko stores which is expected to result in a string of more openings in the coming months.
Two dozen Wilko stores closed for good on September 24 and on September 14, another 28 stores shut up shop.
Both of the chain's warehouses were closed on September 15.
Another 38 stores had their final day on September 17 and 38 more closed on September 19.
Nearly 50 branches closed on September 22 and 37 stores closed their doors for the final time on September 26.
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