Fans of beloved High Street chain Wilko have taken to social media to express their dismay at news that the film has announced its intention to appoint administrators, putting the future of the 400-shop chain in doubt.
Some 12,000 jobs across 400 stores could be in the firing line after the high street chain signalled it faced insolvency proceedings.
The beloved bargain store that provides shoppers with everything from gardening tools to stationery, has filed notice of its intention to appoint administrators at the High Court.
Following the shock news which saw ‘#Wilko’ start to trend on Twitter, customers have rallied around the ‘beloved’ high street retailer, saying they don’t know what they’ll do if the store was to close.
One person said: ‘IT BETTER NOT BE – I LOVE WILKO’.
Some 12,000 jobs across 400 stores could be in the firing line after the high street chain signalled it faced insolvency proceedings
One person said: ‘IT BETTER NOT BE – I LOVE WILKO’
Another gutted Twitter user chimed in to ask: ‘Where am I going to get all my car bits, cleaning bits, craft and stationary bits, home decor bits etc?
One channelled their humourous side and quipped: ‘Popping to Wilko’s, anyone want anything?’
Another gutted Twitter user chimed in to ask: ‘Where am I going to get all my car bits, cleaning bits, craft and stationary bits, home decor bits etc?
She added: I knew since their online shopping was reduced that they were in trouble’.
One channelled their humourous side and quipped: ‘Popping to Wilko’s, anyone want anything?’
However, while the ‘beloved’ high street retailer received an outpouring of support, not everyone was so shocked or devastated.
One user didn’t shy away from critiquing the high street giant, adding that ‘As well as its worst in class availability, Wilko had the very worst self service tills that retail has ever seen’.
One user didn’t shy away from critiquing the high street giant, adding that ‘As well as its worst in class availability, Wilko had the very worst self service tills that retail has ever seen’.
One user was confused: ‘I’m really surprised as Wilko is usually the sort of business that would do well in a recession’.
But another account quickly explained that practically, the discount store was doing certain customers a disservice: ‘Wilko branches are located where car parks are out of sensible lugging distance for large items’
One user was confused: ‘I’m really surprised as Wilko is usually the sort of business that would do well in a recession’.
But another account quickly explained that practically, the discount store was doing certain customers a disservice: ‘Wilko branches are located where car parks are out of sensible lugging distance for large items’.
They went on to add: B&M, though less pleasant to shop in, are in retail parks where parking is alongside and free’.
Another account expressed confusion: ‘Unlike Debenhams, everyone (in towns) uses Wilko all the time, because it’s legit useful’.
Not everyone was so shocked, one spotted telltale signs months ago: ‘They’ve been cutting staff for months’.
Another account expressed confusion: ‘Unlike Debenhams, everyone (in towns) uses Wilko all the time, because it’s legit useful’
The user added: ‘Went into Wilko in Barry a couple of days ago, half empty shelves, felt like it was in death throes. Another boarded up high street unit incoming’
The user added: ‘Went into Wilko in Barry a couple of days ago, half empty shelves, felt like it was in death throes. Another boarded up high street unit incoming’.
More users lamented the potential closure of the popular homeware store that was founded in 1930, with its first store opening up in Leicester as Wilkinson Cash Stores.
In touch with its midlands roots, the company is headquartered in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
But the beginning of this year, Wilko secured a £40million lifeline from Hilco UK, the owner of Homebase.
The notice of intention to appoint administrators gives the firm a 10-day window to secure a deal while protected from action by creditors.
What do you think of the hardware’s shop’s financial hardship? Let us know in the comments below.
