Wilko
This coverage explores Wilko’s business activities and challenges within the UK retail sector, focusing on store operations, financial performance, restructuring efforts, leadership decisions, and strategic direction. Reporting provides insight into how Wilko navigates competitive pressures, consumer demand, and market changes — offering valuable context for executives, managers, and professionals overseeing operations in general merchandise and value retail.
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulyFeatures
Claire’s on the brink: can the chain avoid another collapse?
For decades, Claire’s has been the go-to destination for sparkly earrings, scrunchies and ear piercings – a rite of passage for generations of teenagers. But the glitter is starting to fade. The jewellery and accessories retailer, which operates nearly 300 shops in the UK and more than 2,300 worldwide, has…
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9 JulyFeatures
Can generalist retailers survive in today’s retail environment?
Last month B&M posted results which saw its profit-before-tax fall 13.2% to £431m, with the company’s UK revenues falling 3.1% as a result of inflation. While the headline figures may appear troubling, the company remains optimistic about its future especially as it is embarking on an expansion drive. The bigger…
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Jun- 2025 -13 JuneHigh Street
10,000 Wilko workers to get £2m pay out
Almost 10,000 former Wilko workers have been awarded a £2m pay out after the high street retailer failed to properly consult with workers prior to going bust in 2023. It comes as the GMB union said it had won a legal case on behalf of thousands of members who lost…
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10 JuneFeatures
The nostalgia trend: Why do companies revive old brands?
A cultural institution in the 90s, defunct in the 00s and making a comeback in the 20s. MFI Furniture is set to relaunch on the British high street after owner Victorian Plumbing revealed plans to relaunch the brand in early 2026, promising a refresh without the frustrations of long online…
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May- 2025 -7 MayHigh Street
The Range unveils new set of format stores amid Homebase acquisition
CDS Superstores, parent company of The Range and Wilko, has confirmed the next raft of openings for its new-format superstores, following the acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its stores. Building on earlier plans to convert 45 former Homebase stores across the country as The Range…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilFeatures
Why is Hilco Capital looking to acquire Lakeland?
British retail is no stranger to seeing a heritage brand acquired by a private equity firm. The latest name on that list seems to be family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland which is reportedly on the verge of being acquired by Hilco Capital. It was revealed in January that the company had…
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Jan- 2025 -8 JanuaryComment
Shaping the future of retail analytics
Diane Wehrle, co-founder of Springboard, is a name synonymous with retail data innovation. Her journey from a business graduate to a pioneer in retail analytics is a testament to vision, resilience, and seizing untapped opportunities. In an industry often starved for real-time, actionable insights, Wehrle’s work has transformed how retailers…
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Dec- 2024 -24 DecemberDIY
The Range to open at three former Homebase stores in January
The Range will be opening the first three of its new-format stores on 17 January 2025, having acquired the Homebase brand and up to 70 of the retailer’s stores in November 2024. Known as The Range Superstore, the three branches will open in Pollokshaws in Glasgow, Christchurch in Bournemouth, and…
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3 DecemberNews
Accessorize launches new partnership with Deliveroo
Accessorize, the gifting, fashion accessories, and jewellery retailer, has announced a new partnership with Deliveroo offering customers on-demand delivery of more than 700 products. Traditionally found in airports, train stations, and high streets, Accessorize is now bringing its collection directly to shoppers’ doors through Deliveroo for the first time. With…
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Nov- 2024 -14 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/11/24
The Range and Wilko owner, CDS Superstores, has acquired 70 Homebase stores after the DIY retailer entered administration. This move, intended to save about 1,600 jobs, will allow Homebase stores to continue operating under CDS while administrators from Teneo Financial Advisory manage the transition. Homebase’s decline, attributed to low consumer…
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