THE FUTURE is uncertain for Leamington’s Wilko store in the Royal Priors shopping centre after the company was placed in administration.
The high-street retailer, which employs some 12,500 staff, has just under 100 stores across the Midlands and a total of 400 stores across the UK.
But the firm, founded in 1930, has been hit by “incredibly challenging trading conditions” say administrators PwC, both throughout the pandemic and more recently through the impact of the cost of living crisis.
Eddie Williams, joint administrator and PwC partner, said: “It is incredibly sad that a well loved, family business that has been on the high street for over 90 years has had to go into administration today. I know the management team has left no stone unturned in trying to save the business.
“As administrators we will continue to engage with parties who may be interested in acquiring all or part of the companies. Stores will trade as normal and staff will continue to be paid while the company is in administration.”
