Wilko will return to UK high streets by the end of the year – here’s the full list of new stores

The loss of Wilko left a whole country in mourning. But with the help of WilkoTok, we were able to come to terms with the death of the beloved high street store. There were tears, staff caressing empty shelves and farewell congas down desolate aisles. It felt like closure. 

However, it seems we spoke too soon. Less than a month after all 400 Wilko stores shut down, the brand is being resurrected and five Wilko stores are set to open before Christmas. Hallelujah! 

Wilko’s swift return comes after its name and intellectual property was bought by The Range (aka CDS Superstores) for a reported £5m. Its website has already been relaunched and it has been confirmed that more sites will open in 2024, including a debut site in Northern Ireland. The Range has also started selling Wilko products in its own shops. 

And after the swathes of emotional farewell TikToks, you’ll be glad to know that the company is prioritising ex-Wilko employees for jobs at the new stores.

Alex Simpkin, CDS Superstores chief exec, said: ‘The public reaction to the loss of Wilko stores was undeniable. It’s clear that there’s a huge love for Wilko and we’ve seen an encouraging demand for the return of its own-brand products. That’s why we’ve taken the decision to reintroduce Wilko back to many of the high streets and communities that it used to so proudly serve.’

Where is Wilko opening new stores?

The first two stores will arrive in Plymouth and Exeter before another opens in Luton. Two more could open before the end of the year, though we’re yet to find out specific dates or exactly where those will be. 

• Armada Centre, Mayflower Street, Plymouth (opened December 1)
• Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter (opened December 1)
• Arndale Centre, Luton (opens December 8)

Time Out’s take 

With longstanding stores shutting their doors left, right and centre, positive news for Britain’s high streets doesn’t come around very often. After the emotional rollercoaster that was the Wilko saga, finally we have something to celebrate! 

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