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Wilko reveals dates for final store closures in Chatham, Sittingbourne, Canterbury, Maidstone and Bromley following collapse

14:31, 22 September 2023

updated: 15:00, 22 September 2023

Wilko has announced when it will shut the doors of its last remaining Kent stores.

The hardware and furnishings retailer tumbled into administration last month after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers.

Wilko in Park Mall Ashford has now closed
Wilko in Park Mall Ashford has now closed

It has now been announced that its remaining stores across the UK will be closed in early October

On Tuesday, October 3, the Chatham, Canterbury and Maidstone stores will close.

Then, on Thursday, October 5, the Sittingbourne branch will close.

Finally, during the last wave of closures on Sunday, October 8, the historic high street retailer will shut its doors to retailers for the last time in Bromley.

Earlier this week Wilko also confirmed the closure dates of its other remaining Kent stores.

Wilko in Sittingbourne. Picture: Google Maps
Wilko in Sittingbourne. Picture: Google Maps

Branches in Dartford, Ramsgate and Strood will shut on Monday, September 25.

The last day of trading for Wilko in Rainham is understood to be Tuesday, September 26.

Then on Wednesday, September 27, the Gillingham branch will cease trading.

And on Friday, September 29, Gravesend’s Wilko will close for the last time.

The Wilko brand will not disappear entirely from the UK high street after The Range agreed to buy Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property, with plans to sell the acquired brand in its stores.

Wilko was originally founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson in Leicester in 1930 and employed 12,500 workers before its collapse.

In total, there are 37 stores closing on Monday, September 25, then a further 37 on Wednesday, September 27, and then another 37 on Friday, September 29.

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