Ten former Wilko stores in the UK are set to reopen as Poundland outlets on Saturday.

Wilko entered administration last month leaving all 400 stores and 12,500 employees at risk. 

Administrators at PwC were forced to sell off Wilko’s assets after failing to secure a rescue deal for the whole business.

While more than 250 Wilko stores have or will close, including those in Southampton, there are a number of sites across the UK that have been saved and will relaunched under a new high street brand. 

Fellow high street retailer B&M bought 51 Wilko stores at the beginning of September in a deal thought to be worth around £13 million. 

While The Range agreed a deal to buy Wilko’s brand for around £5 million.

Poundland owner Pepco also agreed a deal earlier this month to buy 71 Wilko stores from administrator PwC following the collapse of the high street chain.

The Wilko stores re-opening as Poundland

Poundland said it aims to open all the Wilko stores it bought by the end of 2023 before giving them all a full makeover in 2024 so they become “fully operational Poundlands”.

Saturday (September 30) will see the first round of former Wilko stores relaunched under the Poundland brand. 

The 10 former Wilko sites opening as Poundland stores this weekend are:

  • Broad Street, Chell Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, West Midlands
  • Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, Nelson, Lancashire
  • The Peel Centre, Great Portwood Street, Stockport, Greater Manchester
  • The Mall, Church Street, Eccles, Manchester
  • London Street, Southport, Merseyside
  • Lord Street, Leigh, Greater Manchester
  • East Street, Barking, London
  • High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire
  • Bede Precinct, Viking Centre, Jarrow, South Tyneside
  • The Broadway, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire

Poundland said the stores will stock customer favourites alongside any existing Wilko clearance items.

Poundland retail director, Darren Kay, 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.

“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.”

Poundland encouraging former Wilko staff to apply for roles

Poundland is encouraging former Wilko staff to apply for roles at the new stores, with jobs including store assistants and managers available.

The UK retail chain said it would “prioritise” former Wilko employees for the jobs.