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{{short description|British retail chain}}
'''Wilkinson''' (or ''Wilko'', as it is known colloquially) is a British high-street hardware store. It sells everything from [[Laundry detergent|washing powder]] to [[paint]], and also rotates some of its stock on a seasonal basis, such as selling Christmas decorations from September and garden tools in the Spring. The majority of their larger stores are divided into various sections selling products including Pet Care, Stationary, Cards/Wrapping, Seasonal, Cleaners, Confectionary, Toiletries, Clothing, Home Adornments, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Textiles and DIY.
{{Other uses|Wilko (disambiguation)}}
{{Distinguish|Wilco}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


{{Infobox company
| name = Wilko.com Limited
| logo = Wilko.svg
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2008
| type = [[Limited company]]<br>[[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Retail]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1930|df=yes}}
| founder = [[James Kemsey Wilkinson]]<br>Mary Cooper
| location = Plymouth, [[United Kingdom]]
| num_locations = 7<ref>https://www.hillingdontimes.co.uk/news/24722116.wilko-reopen-uxbridge-store-pavilions-month/</ref>
| products = {{ubl|[[Grocery store|Groceries]]|[[Consumer goods]]|Garden and leisure|Pet supplies|Stationery|Toiletries|[[DIY]]}}
| owner = [[The Range (retailer)|CDS Superstores]]
| num_employees =
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.wilko.com}}
| footnotes =
| company_types =
}}'''Wilko.com Limited''' (trading as '''Wilko''') is a British [[Home improvement center|home improvement]] and [[Home accessories|homeware]] retailer. It was founded as '''Wilkinson's''' by [[James Kemsey Wilkinson]] and Mary Cooper in 1930, opening its first store as a hardware retailer in [[Leicester]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2023-08-04 |title=What went wrong at Wilko? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/04/what-went-wrong-at-wilko |access-date=2024-12-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


In 1972, [[Tony Wilkinson (businessman)|Tony Wilkinson]] succeeded his father as chairman, leading the retailer through rapid expansion. By the end of the 1980s, the chain had 78 stores, and by the end of the 1990s, it had grown to 152 stores.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2023-08-04 |title=What went wrong at Wilko? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/04/what-went-wrong-at-wilko |access-date=2024-12-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In June 2005, Lisa Wilkinson and Karin Swann succeeded their father and uncle, and from 2012 onwards, rebranded the stores as '''Wilko'''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-08 |title=Wilko: End of an era as shops shut for good |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66995143 |access-date=2024-12-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== History ==


In August 2023, Wilko collapsed into administration, with the final stores closing on the 8th of October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-07 |title=See the last 41 Wilko stores closing this weekend |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23840411.final-wilko-stores-close-sunday---see-41-locations/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Oxford Mail |language=en}}</ref> CDS Superstores ([[The Range (retailer)|The Range]]) purchased the Wilko intellectual property, re-launching Wilko.com on the 12th of October, and opening new physical stores from December 2024 onwards.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-01 |title=Wilko: First new stores reopen in Devon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-67576712 |access-date=2024-12-15 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Since the first store was opened by [[JK Wilkinson]] in Leicester in 1930, the company has now grown to over 250 stores nationwide, and employs over 21,000 people. Unlike many of its competitors, it still remains largely in the hands of the family who started it- the children of JK Wilkinson play an active role in the company.


== Marketing ==
==History==
[[File:Wilkinson - Carlton Street - geograph.org.uk - 2018984.jpg|thumb|left|A branch in [[Castleford, West Yorkshire|Castleford]] in 'Wilkinson' branding in 2010]]
[[File:Wilko Store, Royal Priors, Leamington Spa (15).jpg|thumb|left|Interior of a Wilko branch in [[Leamington Spa]], [[Warwickshire]].]]


The first Wilkinson store was opened by [[James Kemsey Wilkinson]] and his fiancee Mary Cooper at 151 Charnwood Street, [[Leicester]] in 1930, and a second store was opened in [[Wigston Magna]], near Leicester, in 1932. Nine branches were opened by 1939.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Corporate - Our history |url=https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/corporate/our-history |publisher=Wilko |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref>
The Wilkinson method is to sell products as cheaply as possible, to try and achieve maximum sales and to sell through. In its marketing, it places a large emphasis on value. Wilkinson has yet to advertise on television and instead focuses on advertising in the press. They will often place leaflets and flyers inside local newspapers to promote whatever range they're pushing. However, a number of products advertised on television, such as those made by [[JML]] will sometimes reference Wilkinson as to where the viewer can purchase the product.


The [[Beaconsfield]] store can be seen in the background of a scene in the film ''[[Brief Encounter]]'' (1945).{{Citation needed|date=August 2023}} By the end of the 1980s, the chain had 78 stores, increasing to over 152 by the end of the 1990s.<ref name=":0"/>


The founder's son, [[Tony Wilkinson (businessman)|Tony Wilkinson]], joined the company as a branch manager in 1960 and succeeded his father as chairman in 1972, retiring in June 2005. Tony was succeeded by his daughter, Lisa Wilkinson, and his niece, Karin Swann.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rich List 2013: No.=16 – Tony Wilkinson (£480m) |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/rich-list-2013-no16---3908184 |work=[[Birmingham Post]]|date=3 June 2013 |access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>
== Incentives ==


Wilkinson opened its first Scottish outlet in [[Castle Douglas]] in January 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/jobs-line-castle-douglas-branch-11039991|title=Jobs on the line at Castle Douglas store|first=Stuart|last=Gillespie|date=23 August 2017|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]}}</ref>
Wilkinson this summer has launched a Saving Stamp Scheme across all of its outlets. Although not an unusual practise in the retail market it is however unique to Wilkinson because it has never launched any kind of loyalty or saving incentives due to the high drive of its 'Everytime' value promise. Customers buy stamps at a cost of £1 each, which are placed into a savings booklet. Customers are rewarded £1 for every 19 stamps they purchase, effectively giving them a 5% discount for every £20 they spend in store.


In 2012, Wilkinson began rebranding its stores as Wilko, after its own brand products already marketed under the ''Wilko'' name, and by 2014, most stores had been rebranded.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wilko&nbsp;— Annual Review 2012|url=http://corporate.wilko.com/_pdfs/Wilk_AR12_lowres.pdf|publisher=Wilko Corporate|access-date=31 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Holland|first=Tiffany|title=Wilkinson rebrands store estate to 'Wilko' matching new strapline|url=http://www.retail-week.com/sectors/general-merchandise/wilkinson-rebrands-store-estate-to-wilko-matching-new-strapline/5059571.article|work=[[Retail Week]]|date=22 April 2014|access-date=31 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lanyon|first=Daniel|title=Wilkinson rebrand to 'Wilko' gathers pace|url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/channels/discounters/wilkinson-rebrand-to-wilko-gathers-pace/237555.article|url-access=registration|work=The Grocer|date=16 March 2013|access-date=31 October 2014}}</ref> Prior to the rebranding, the abbreviation ''Wilko'' had been commonly used as an informal reference to the brand.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}


In 2014, Karin Swann sold her 50% holding in the business to Lisa, leaving Tony, his wife Christine and Lisa the sole owners of the company, and Lisa the chairman. Swann wanted to pursue other business interests and the decision did not represent a falling-out of the family.<ref name="Ruddick2014">{{cite news |last=Ruddick |first=Graham |date=2 August 2014 |title=Wilkinson family split after 84 years in retail |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11008129/Wilkinson-family-split-after-84-years-in-retail.html |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>
== Criticisms ==


In August 2017, Wilko began negotiations with the [[GMB (trade union)|GMB]] trade union over the company's plan to cut 4,000 jobs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ahmed |first=Murad |date=11 August 2017 |title=Wilko looks at cutting more than 4,000 jobs |url=https://www.ft.com/content/be54284c-7ea2-11e7-9108-edda0bcbc928 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211211225/https://www.ft.com/content/be54284c-7ea2-11e7-9108-edda0bcbc928 |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=[[Financial Times]] |access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref> The board paid the family owners a £3&nbsp;million dividend.<ref>{{cite news |last=Neate |first=Rupert |title=Wilko warns nearly 4,000 staff could lose jobs |work=The Guardian |date=11 August 2017 |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/11/wilko-warns-nearly-4000-staff-could-lose-jobs}}</ref>
Wilkinson has received criticism [http://www.libcom.org/hosted/caps/] from some groups for using [[prison labour]] in the manufacture of its own-brand products. The suggestion is that Prisoners are forced to do things such as packaging, at the expense of education and activities. The company has stated that only a tiny number of its 25,000 products are obtained from the Prison Service, which is paid the standard rate for any supplier.


In March 2018, Wilko began to sell 285 of its own brand products in [[Dubai]] through [[Ace Hardware]], marking the first time that Wilko had sold through another retailer.<ref>{{cite news |title=A bargain British brand is here in Dubai |url=https://dubaiweek.ae/news/37074/wilko-ace-uae// |access-date=4 March 2018 |work=Dubai Week |date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112203003/https://dubaiweek.ae/news/37074/wilko-ace-uae// |archive-date=12 January 2020}}</ref>
== External links ==


In June 2020, Warpaint London, a cosmetics company, signed a deal with Wilko to sell their products in UK shops.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gilbert |first1=Iain |title=Warpaint London products to be launched in Wilko stores |url=https://www.sharecast.com/news/aim-bulletin/warpaint-london-products-to-be-launched-in-wilko-stores--7525591.html |website=Sharecast |access-date=22 June 2020 |language=en |date=1 June 2010}}</ref>
* [http://www.wilko.co.uk Wilkinson Website]
* [http://jamesomalley.co.uk/blog/?cat=17 Weblog of a Wilkinson employee]
* [http://jamesomalley.co.uk/maps/wilko.php Map display locations of Wilkinson stores]
* [http://www.libcom.org/hosted/caps/ Campaign Against Prison Slavery]


In January 2022, Wilko announced the closure of 15 stores with costly long leases.<ref>{{Cite news|date=10 January 2022|title=The complete list of the 15 Wilko stores set to close in 2022|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-01-10/in-full-the-15-wilko-stores-set-to-close-this-year|website=[[ITV News]]|access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref> Wilko paid its owners, led by the Wilkinson family, a £3&nbsp;million dividend again.<ref name=Butler>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=Wilko secures £40m funding from Hilco as it faces cash squeeze |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jan/04/wilko-funding-hilco-cash-chair |access-date=26 September 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=4 January 2023}}</ref>


===Administration and closure===
{{UK-retail-stub}}
[[File:Wilko Closing Down Sale in Chester - 23Sept2023.jpg|thumb|right|Administration sale, Chester, September 2023]]
{{retail-stub}}
In January 2023, Wilko confirmed it had borrowed £40&nbsp;million from the restructuring firm [[Hilco Capital]].<ref name=Butler/> It followed this in February with plans to cut up to 400 jobs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=15 February 2023 |title=Wilko plans to cut 400 jobs as part of restructuring after fall in sales |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/15/wiko-plans-to-cut-jobs-as-part-of-restructuring-after-fall-in-sales |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>

On 3 August 2023, Wilko announced its intention to appoint administrators as it was seeking a buyer following a period of difficult trading conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=3 August 2023 |title=Budget retailer Wilko set to call in administrators, risking 12,000 jobs |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/03/budget-retailer-wilko-makes-administration-move-risking-12000-jobs |access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref> The company entered administration on 10 August.<ref name="Masud">{{cite news |last=Masud |first=Faarea |date=10 August 2023 |title=Wilko to stay open for now in race to save jobs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66460059 |access-date=10 August 2023 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> [[CEO]] Mark Jackson said management would work with administrators [[PwC]] to "preserve as many jobs as possible".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Binns |first1=Daniel |title=Around 12,500 jobs at risk as Wilko goes into administration |url=https://news.sky.com/story/around-12-000-jobs-at-risk-as-wilko-goes-into-administration-12937106 |website=[[Sky News]] |access-date=10 August 2023 |date=10 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Downes |first1=Hannah |title=Wilko goes into administration: what you need to know |url=https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/wilko-goes-into-administration-what-you-need-to-know-addL88m8ASrA |website=Which? |access-date=10 August 2023 |date=10 August 2023}}</ref> A deadline for offers to acquire the business was set for 16 August 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jordan |first1=Dearbail |title=Wilko: Bidders given Wednesday deadline for rescue offers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66498064 |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=BBC News |date=14 August 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Fomer Wilko store in Chester became Poundland.jpg|thumb|right|The former Wilko store in Chester reopened as a branch of [[Poundland]]. Outline of the old Wilko sign remains visible on the wooden fascia. December 2023]]

[[File:Wilko branch reopened as Poundland in Maidenhead, 11 October 2023.jpg|thumb|right|A Wilko branch in [[Maidenhead]], [[Berkshire]] in the process of reopening and rebranding as a branch of [[Poundland]] in October 2023]]

[[File:The_shutters_come_down_on_Wilko.jpg|thumb|A Wilko branch that closed its doors for the last time in late 2023]]

Wilko collapsed with the loss of over 12,000 jobs, £625 million in debt and a £50 million pension deficit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Sarah |title=Wilko's former chair tells MPs she was devastated by collapse of retailer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/28/wilko-lisa-wilkinson-mps-collapse-retailer |access-date=28 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2023}}</ref> During the administration process, it was reported that its owners had taken £77&nbsp;million out of the company in the preceding decade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldfingle |first=Gemma |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/08/wilko-owners-77m/ |title=Wilko owners took £77m out of business in last decade |website=Retail Gazette|date=13 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023}}</ref>

In September 2023, [[B&M]] bought 51 Wilko stores for £13 million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butterworth |first1=Benjamin |title=B&M agrees to buy 51 Wilko stores after collapse of rival bargain chain |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/bm-agrees-buy-wilko-stores-collapse-rival-chain-2593664 |website=[[i (newspaper)|I]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 September 2023}}</ref> An attempt by Canadian businessman [[Doug Putman]] to acquire 100 Wilko stores, slimmed down from a deal to acquire 300 stores, collapsed in the same month.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Aoife |title=Wilko: All 400 stores to close after HMV rescue deal collapses |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/09/wilko-hmv-rescue-collapses/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=30 May 2024 |date=11 September 2023}}</ref> [[Poundland]] acquired 71 Wilko stores and stated it would prioritise the recruitment of former Wilko staff.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Boyle |first1=Daniel |title=Poundland to save 71 Wilko shops in last-minute deal and rebrand them under its own name |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/poundland-buy-wilko-shops-retail-administration-collapse-bust-pwc-hmv-putman-sale-b-m-wilkinson-b1106526.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=12 September 2023}}</ref> CDS Superstores ([[The Range (retailer)|The Range]]) acquired the Wilko brand, website and intellectual property for £5 million.<ref name="EveningStandard">{{cite web |last1=Saker-Clark |first1=Henry |date=14 September 2023 |title=The Range confirms deal to buy Wilko brand and website |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/the-range-confirms-deal-to-buy-wilko-brand-and-website-b1106924.html |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saker-Clark |first1=Henry |title=The Range set to buy Wilko brand in £5m deal |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/the-range-wilko-brand-pwc-poundland-rescue-b1106859.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=25 September 2024 |language=en |date=13 September 2023}}</ref> 36 workers from Wilko's digital team transferred over to CDS' digital team as part of the deal.<ref name="EveningStandard"/> The final stores under the previous ownership closed on 8 October 2023.<ref name="BBCNews">{{cite web |last1=Hooker |first1=Lucy |last2=Masud |first2=Faarea |date=8 October 2023 |title=Wilko: End of an era as shops shut for good |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66995143 |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=BBC News}}</ref>

===Post-administration===
The Wilko website was relaunched by CDS Superstores on 12 October 2023 and resumed home delivery.<ref name="Morgan">{{cite web |last1=Morgan |first1=Aoife |date=12 October 2023 |title=Wilko relaunches website under new owner The Range |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/10/wilko-relaunches-website/ |access-date=12 October 2023 |website=Retail Gazette}}</ref> The Range started stocking Wilko brand products in its stores from 27 October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saker-Clark |first1=Henry |title=Wilko products to return to high street in The Range stores |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/wilko-products-to-return-to-high-street-in-the-range-stores-b1116159.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |date=26 October 2023}}</ref> Three stores in Plymouth, Exeter, and Luton were re-opened in December 2023.<ref name="Wilko">{{cite web |date=3 November 2023 |title=wilko confirms first three locations and opening dates for their concept stores |url=https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/corporate/wilko-confirms-first-three-store-locations-and-reopening-dates-for-concept-stores |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=Wilko}}</ref> Two stores in [[Rotherham]] and [[St Albans]] were re-opened in March 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Eloise |title=Wilko reveals further store opening plans |url=https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/02/wilko-new-store-poole/ |website=Retail Gazette |access-date=21 February 2024 |date=20 February 2024}}</ref> Wilko's store in Poole was re-opened in August 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rhodes |first1=Erin |date=13 August 2024 |title=Wilko to reopen store in The Dolphin Poole this week |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24514627.wilko-reopen-store-dolphin-poole-week/ |publisher=Bournemouth Daily Echo |access-date=13 August 2024}}</ref>

==Distribution==
The company awarded a five-year logistics contract to [[Wincanton plc]] in March 2017, replacing Canute Haulage Group after 29 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wincanton wins five-year contract with wilko|url=http://postandparcel.info/78829/news/wincanton-wins-five-year-contract-with-wilko/|access-date=22 March 2017|work=Post and Parcel|date=20 March 2017}}</ref>

In September 2019, the GMB union announced that its members would strike over a new weekend working proposal at the distribution centres. The strikes planned for four dates in October 2019 were called off after an improved offer was made by Wilko.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wilko strike: Workers suspend action after 'last-ditch' offer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-50003249/ |work=BBC News |date=10 October 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref>

Following the departure of Wilko, Canute Haulage Group entered administration in 2018 and was [[liquidation|liquidated]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canute Haulage Group Limited Filing History |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02275383/filing-history/ |website=gov.uk |publisher=Companies House |date=31 August 2023 |access-date=31 August 2023}}</ref>

==Financial performance==
Turnover for the year ending February 2022 was in excess of £1.2&nbsp;billion.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Wilko Limited overview – Find and update company information |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00365335 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=gov.uk}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2023}}

{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 0 auto 0 auto;" style="text-align:right;"
|+Financial statistics (in £ thousands)<ref name="auto"/>{{Failed verification|date=September 2023}}
! Year ending
! Turnover
! [[Earnings before interest and taxes|Operating<br>profit]]/(loss)
! Profit/(loss)
|-
| February 2023
| Under £1 billion
| (under 30,000)
| (under 30,000)
|-
| February 2022
| 1,241,242
| (37,572)
| (31,903)
|-
| February 2021
| 1,283,251
| 5,063
| 4,481
|-
| February 2020
| 1,428,491
| 2,069
| 3,752
|-
| February 2019
| 1,508,690
| (2,438)
| 13,926
|-
| February 2018
| 1,619,147
| 8,227
| (52,878)
|-
| February 2017
| 1,517,763
| 17,994
| 16,046
|-
| February 2016
| 1,464,475
| 23,638
| 15,910
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Wilko (retailer)}}
*{{Official website|https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/}}

[[Category:1930 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1930]]
[[Category:Companies based in Nottinghamshire]]
[[Category:Companies that have entered administration in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Discount shops of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Home improvement companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1930]]
[[Category:Retail companies of the United Kingdom]]

Latest revision as of 16:59, 25 December 2024

For other uses, see Wilko (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Wilco.

Wilko.com Limited
Company typeLimited company
Subsidiary
IndustryRetail
Founded1930; 95 years ago (1930)
FounderJames Kemsey Wilkinson
Mary Cooper
HeadquartersPlymouth, United Kingdom
Number of locations
7[1]
Products
OwnerCDS Superstores
Websitewww.wilko.com

Wilko.com Limited (trading as Wilko) is a British home improvement and homeware retailer. It was founded as Wilkinson's by James Kemsey Wilkinson and Mary Cooper in 1930, opening its first store as a hardware retailer in Leicester.[2]

In 1972, Tony Wilkinson succeeded his father as chairman, leading the retailer through rapid expansion. By the end of the 1980s, the chain had 78 stores, and by the end of the 1990s, it had grown to 152 stores.[3] In June 2005, Lisa Wilkinson and Karin Swann succeeded their father and uncle, and from 2012 onwards, rebranded the stores as Wilko.[4]

In August 2023, Wilko collapsed into administration, with the final stores closing on the 8th of October.[5] CDS Superstores (The Range) purchased the Wilko intellectual property, re-launching Wilko.com on the 12th of October, and opening new physical stores from December 2024 onwards.[6]

History

[edit]
A branch in Castleford in 'Wilkinson' branding in 2010
Interior of a Wilko branch in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

The first Wilkinson store was opened by James Kemsey Wilkinson and his fiancee Mary Cooper at 151 Charnwood Street, Leicester in 1930, and a second store was opened in Wigston Magna, near Leicester, in 1932. Nine branches were opened by 1939.[7]

The Beaconsfield store can be seen in the background of a scene in the film Brief Encounter (1945).[citation needed] By the end of the 1980s, the chain had 78 stores, increasing to over 152 by the end of the 1990s.[7]

The founder's son, Tony Wilkinson, joined the company as a branch manager in 1960 and succeeded his father as chairman in 1972, retiring in June 2005. Tony was succeeded by his daughter, Lisa Wilkinson, and his niece, Karin Swann.[8]

Wilkinson opened its first Scottish outlet in Castle Douglas in January 2009.[9]

In 2012, Wilkinson began rebranding its stores as Wilko, after its own brand products already marketed under the Wilko name, and by 2014, most stores had been rebranded.[10][11][12] Prior to the rebranding, the abbreviation Wilko had been commonly used as an informal reference to the brand.[citation needed]

In 2014, Karin Swann sold her 50% holding in the business to Lisa, leaving Tony, his wife Christine and Lisa the sole owners of the company, and Lisa the chairman. Swann wanted to pursue other business interests and the decision did not represent a falling-out of the family.[13]

In August 2017, Wilko began negotiations with the GMB trade union over the company's plan to cut 4,000 jobs.[14] The board paid the family owners a £3 million dividend.[15]

In March 2018, Wilko began to sell 285 of its own brand products in Dubai through Ace Hardware, marking the first time that Wilko had sold through another retailer.[16]

In June 2020, Warpaint London, a cosmetics company, signed a deal with Wilko to sell their products in UK shops.[17]

In January 2022, Wilko announced the closure of 15 stores with costly long leases.[18] Wilko paid its owners, led by the Wilkinson family, a £3 million dividend again.[19]

Administration and closure

[edit]
Administration sale, Chester, September 2023

In January 2023, Wilko confirmed it had borrowed £40 million from the restructuring firm Hilco Capital.[19] It followed this in February with plans to cut up to 400 jobs.[20]

On 3 August 2023, Wilko announced its intention to appoint administrators as it was seeking a buyer following a period of difficult trading conditions.[21] The company entered administration on 10 August.[22] CEO Mark Jackson said management would work with administrators PwC to "preserve as many jobs as possible".[23][24] A deadline for offers to acquire the business was set for 16 August 2023.[25]

The former Wilko store in Chester reopened as a branch of Poundland. Outline of the old Wilko sign remains visible on the wooden fascia. December 2023
A Wilko branch in Maidenhead, Berkshire in the process of reopening and rebranding as a branch of Poundland in October 2023
A Wilko branch that closed its doors for the last time in late 2023

Wilko collapsed with the loss of over 12,000 jobs, £625 million in debt and a £50 million pension deficit.[26] During the administration process, it was reported that its owners had taken £77 million out of the company in the preceding decade.[27]

In September 2023, B&M bought 51 Wilko stores for £13 million.[28] An attempt by Canadian businessman Doug Putman to acquire 100 Wilko stores, slimmed down from a deal to acquire 300 stores, collapsed in the same month.[29] Poundland acquired 71 Wilko stores and stated it would prioritise the recruitment of former Wilko staff.[30] CDS Superstores (The Range) acquired the Wilko brand, website and intellectual property for £5 million.[31][32] 36 workers from Wilko's digital team transferred over to CDS' digital team as part of the deal.[31] The final stores under the previous ownership closed on 8 October 2023.[33]

Post-administration

[edit]

The Wilko website was relaunched by CDS Superstores on 12 October 2023 and resumed home delivery.[34] The Range started stocking Wilko brand products in its stores from 27 October 2023.[35] Three stores in Plymouth, Exeter, and Luton were re-opened in December 2023.[36] Two stores in Rotherham and St Albans were re-opened in March 2024.[37] Wilko's store in Poole was re-opened in August 2024.[38]

Distribution

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The company awarded a five-year logistics contract to Wincanton plc in March 2017, replacing Canute Haulage Group after 29 years.[39]

In September 2019, the GMB union announced that its members would strike over a new weekend working proposal at the distribution centres. The strikes planned for four dates in October 2019 were called off after an improved offer was made by Wilko.[40]

Following the departure of Wilko, Canute Haulage Group entered administration in 2018 and was liquidated in 2019.[41]

Financial performance

[edit]

Turnover for the year ending February 2022 was in excess of £1.2 billion.[42][failed verification]

Financial statistics (in £ thousands)[42][failed verification]
Year ending Turnover Operating
profit/(loss) 		Profit/(loss)
February 2023 Under £1 billion (under 30,000) (under 30,000)
February 2022 1,241,242 (37,572) (31,903)
February 2021 1,283,251 5,063 4,481
February 2020 1,428,491 2,069 3,752
February 2019 1,508,690 (2,438) 13,926
February 2018 1,619,147 8,227 (52,878)
February 2017 1,517,763 17,994 16,046
February 2016 1,464,475 23,638 15,910

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://www.hillingdontimes.co.uk/news/24722116.wilko-reopen-uxbridge-store-pavilions-month/
  2. ^ Butler, Sarah (4 August 2023). "What went wrong at Wilko?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  3. ^ Butler, Sarah (4 August 2023). "What went wrong at Wilko?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  4. ^ "Wilko: End of an era as shops shut for good". BBC News. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  5. ^ "See the last 41 Wilko stores closing this weekend". Oxford Mail. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Wilko: First new stores reopen in Devon". BBC News. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Corporate - Our history". Wilko. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Rich List 2013: No.=16 – Tony Wilkinson (£480m)". Birmingham Post. 3 June 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  9. ^ Gillespie, Stuart (23 August 2017). "Jobs on the line at Castle Douglas store". Daily Record.
  10. ^ "Wilko — Annual Review 2012" (PDF). Wilko Corporate. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  11. ^ Holland, Tiffany (22 April 2014). "Wilkinson rebrands store estate to 'Wilko' matching new strapline". Retail Week. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  12. ^ Lanyon, Daniel (16 March 2013). "Wilkinson rebrand to 'Wilko' gathers pace". The Grocer. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  13. ^ Ruddick, Graham (2 August 2014). "Wilkinson family split after 84 years in retail". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  14. ^ Ahmed, Murad (11 August 2017). "Wilko looks at cutting more than 4,000 jobs". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  15. ^ Neate, Rupert (11 August 2017). "Wilko warns nearly 4,000 staff could lose jobs". The Guardian.
  16. ^ "A bargain British brand is here in Dubai". Dubai Week. 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
  17. ^ Gilbert, Iain (1 June 2010). "Warpaint London products to be launched in Wilko stores". Sharecast. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  18. ^ "The complete list of the 15 Wilko stores set to close in 2022". ITV News. 10 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  19. ^ a b Butler, Sarah (4 January 2023). "Wilko secures £40m funding from Hilco as it faces cash squeeze". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  20. ^ Butler, Sarah (15 February 2023). "Wilko plans to cut 400 jobs as part of restructuring after fall in sales". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  21. ^ Butler, Sarah (3 August 2023). "Budget retailer Wilko set to call in administrators, risking 12,000 jobs". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  22. ^ Masud, Faarea (10 August 2023). "Wilko to stay open for now in race to save jobs". BBC News. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  23. ^ Binns, Daniel (10 August 2023). "Around 12,500 jobs at risk as Wilko goes into administration". Sky News. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  24. ^ Downes, Hannah (10 August 2023). "Wilko goes into administration: what you need to know". Which?. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  25. ^ Jordan, Dearbail (14 August 2023). "Wilko: Bidders given Wednesday deadline for rescue offers". BBC News. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
  26. ^ Butler, Sarah (28 November 2023). "Wilko's former chair tells MPs she was devastated by collapse of retailer". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  27. ^ Goldfingle, Gemma (13 August 2023). "Wilko owners took £77m out of business in last decade". Retail Gazette. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  28. ^ Butterworth, Benjamin (5 September 2023). "B&M agrees to buy 51 Wilko stores after collapse of rival bargain chain". I. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  29. ^ Morgan, Aoife (11 September 2023). "Wilko: All 400 stores to close after HMV rescue deal collapses". Retail Gazette. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  30. ^ O'Boyle, Daniel (12 September 2023). "Poundland to save 71 Wilko shops in last-minute deal and rebrand them under its own name". Evening Standard. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  31. ^ a b Saker-Clark, Henry (14 September 2023). "The Range confirms deal to buy Wilko brand and website". Evening Standard. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  32. ^ Saker-Clark, Henry (13 September 2023). "The Range set to buy Wilko brand in £5m deal". Evening Standard. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  33. ^ Hooker, Lucy; Masud, Faarea (8 October 2023). "Wilko: End of an era as shops shut for good". BBC News. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  34. ^ Morgan, Aoife (12 October 2023). "Wilko relaunches website under new owner The Range". Retail Gazette. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  35. ^ Saker-Clark, Henry (26 October 2023). "Wilko products to return to high street in The Range stores". Evening Standard. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  36. ^ "wilko confirms first three locations and opening dates for their concept stores". Wilko. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  37. ^ Hill, Eloise (20 February 2024). "Wilko reveals further store opening plans". Retail Gazette. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  38. ^ Rhodes, Erin (13 August 2024). "Wilko to reopen store in The Dolphin Poole this week". Bournemouth Daily Echo. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  39. ^ "Wincanton wins five-year contract with wilko". Post and Parcel. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  40. ^ "Wilko strike: Workers suspend action after 'last-ditch' offer". BBC News. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  41. ^ "Canute Haulage Group Limited Filing History". gov.uk. Companies House. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
  42. ^ a b "Wilko Limited overview – Find and update company information". gov.uk. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
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