Wilko has announced plans to give up stores as leases come to an end and where more favourable terms cannot be negotiated. Some fifteen stores will be affected by this stance which Wilko is keen to point out has no impact on its plans for new openings or relocations. The first stores in Bournemouth, Shipley and Stockton will close next month, with others later in the year as leases come to an end.
CEO Jerome Saint-Marc said: “Our history is steeped in serving our customers and communities going back to 1930 but there’s no denying the way people shop with us and where they want to shop is changing.
“As a business, we’re evolving and this includes working with landlords for more favourable terms, as well as looking at locations and store formats.”
The business confirmed that it will be looking to offer affected staff roles at nearby stores where available but could not rule out the loss of some jobs. Meanwhile, GMB warned that some 300 roles were under threat and described Wilko’s decision as yet “another nail in the High Street’s coffin.”
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