By selling pick ‘n’ mix, stationery, garden tools and bird boxes, Wilko has spent the last 90 years transforming from a one-store business into one of the UK’s major budget retail players. It now has around 400 stores, but it has also become the latest high street shop to face serious financial troubles.
The decline of Wilko has been gradual and predicted. It reported losses over the last four years, and closed 15 stores last year after attempts to restructure the business.
More changes to its business will now be needed, including further store closures and job losses as the company files for administration. This doesn’t mean failure - yet.
