Wilko returns to high streets ahead of national roll-out
Wilko has opened new concept stores ahead of a national roll-out, following its exit from British high streets earlier this year.
CDS Superstores, which owns The Range, has opened new stores in Plymouth and Exeter, with another branch in Luton set to open soon.
The retail group acquired Wilko’s brand and intellectual property in September.
Former Wilko employees have been prioritised in the recruitment process for the new stores, with the branches in Plymouth and Exeter welcoming three quarters and a third of returning employees respectively.
Alex Simpkin, chief executive of CDS Superstores, said: “The customer reaction to the new stores opening today has been fantastic and proves we’re doing the right thing in returning this much-loved retailer to UK high streets.”
CDS Superstores will continue the roll-out of the Wilko brand in 2024, with the retailer also set to open its first stores in Northern Ireland.