Wilko to open first three concept stores before Christmas

Wilko will be opening five stores in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton before Christmas ahead of a wider roll out in 2024.

The Plymouth store, which will be located at Unit A, Armada Centre, Mayflower Street, will open on 1 December, while the Exeter Store will open at Unit 100, Guildhall Shopping Centre, on the same day. 

The Luton store will open at 141/147 Arndale Centre on 8 December, with the retailer yet to announce the final two locations. 

Wilko is planning to recruit up to 80 local team members per store, with the brand’s new owner, CDS Superstores – which also owns The Range – pledging to prioritise interviews for ex-wilko employees.

This initial roll-out kickstarts a programme of store openings that will continue throughout 2024 and for the first time in the brand’s history, will see wilko stores arrive on high streets in Northern Ireland.

Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, said: “It’s clear that there’s a huge love for wilko and we’re proud to confirm we’ll be re-introducing the brand to high streets in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton in the coming weeks.

“We’re also glad to be bringing employment opportunities to these towns and for helping local families and communities have easy access to all the everyday home and garden items they need once again.” 

He added: “This initial rollout is only the beginning for our plans for revitalising the wilko brand on the nation’s high streets and retail parks, and we’ll be announcing further store launches and re-openings throughout 2024.”

The CDS Superstores’ property team is encouraging landlords across the UK to open productive conversations if they’re interested in being considered for the wilko roll-out programme.