Could an empty Wilkos shop near you be set to be transformed into a branch of Poundland? Seventy one of the four hundred Wilkos stores in the UK will make the change, after the retailer fell into administration and a number of locations were snapped up by the Pepco Group. Here's what we know so far about the change over.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 The news that retail giant Wilco had fallen into administration last month was met with
00:06 sadness by many long-time customers and lovers of British high streets.
00:10 There were concerns raised that the closure would mean even more empty shops up and down
00:14 even the busiest of UK shopping streets.
00:17 But with Pepco stepping in, some are to be saved.
00:20 The Pepco Group will rebrand the branches under the Poundland name after taking over
00:24 the lease of up to 71 of Wilco's 400 stores.
00:29 Those branches include Aberdare and Chepstow in Wales, Altrincham, Bolton and Eccles in
00:33 Greater Manchester, Bedminster in Bristol, Gateshead in Tyne and Wear, Headingley and
00:38 Pontefract in West Yorkshire and Selly Oak in the West Midlands.
00:41 Poundland Managing Director Barry Williams said they will endeavour to ensure a significant
00:45 number of Wilco's colleagues join the Poundland team when the changeover happens.
00:50 While the deal includes up to 71 Wilco outlets, a Poundland spokesman said the final total
00:55 will depend on talks with landlords to agree lease terms.
00:58 [BLANK_AUDIO]