Retailer Wilko has announced it will be discontinuing a number of the products it sells as it moves to ‘focus on household and garden products’. As part of the shift, the high street store has revealed it will reduce the number of toys it sells in store, which comes as a blow to parents.
It forms part of Wilko’s “long-term strategic direction” which has already seen the retailer cease selling scratch cards and lottery tickets in January.
As part of the changes Wilko will “discontinue an all-year-round toy offer” in its stores, the Mirror reports.
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The retailer made the announcement of the change in a letter to its suppliers, according to industry magazine Toy World.
Wilko has offered a bit of reassurance to its toy suppliers as it said it would continue to offer “seasonal/outdoor toys” relevant to the time of year.
In a statement shared with Mirror Money, Wilko said: “To further focus on the household and garden products that our customers come to us for most often, we’re reducing our range of toys in store.
“However, we’ll still be providing seasonal toy products such as paddling pools and Christmas presents to help our customers find fun things to enjoy together during holiday periods.”
Wilko also said it would continue to offer customers a choice of "selected toys" on its website.
Earlier this month, the retailer managed to secure a £40million funding lifeline from the owner of Home Base and Cath Kidston Hilco UK.
In a statement to Sky News, Wilko confirmed the deal and said the deal came against a "backdrop of major supply chain disruption and significant footfall declines" on the high street.
It added: "Wilko recognises that it has not been performing to its full potential and is making strategic changes, including accelerating its omnichannel offer to turn around the business."
Wilkinsons has been running since 1930 when it was founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson as a hardware store in Leicester. The founder's family still own the business today, employing around 16,000 people and trades across the UK from around 400 stores.
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