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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Oct- 2025 -10 OctoberHigh Street
Wilko owner returns to profit as revenues rise 13.5%
Norton Group Holdings, owner of retail brands including Wilko, The Range and Homebase, has returned to profit, reporting pre-tax profits of £10.5m for the 53-week period ended 2 February 2025. Group revenue also rose 13.5% to £1.47bn, up from £1.3bn the previous year. The £176m increase was driven by growth…
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Sep- 2025 -8 SeptemberHigh Street
Modella and Doug Putman vie for collapsed Claire’s UK stores
Modella Capital along with Doug Putman, the businessman who rescued HMV, are both reportedly bidding to take over Claire’s UK operations after the fashion accessories chain fell into administration, according to Sky News. Modella Capital, which this year agreed to buy WH Smith’s 480 UK high street stores and plans…
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5 SeptemberFeatures
What does the future hold for Poundland?
Last week Poundland was saved from collapse just days before the company ran out of money after its restructuring plan was approved by a High Court. Barristers told a hearing that it would fall into administration by Friday and could run out of money by 7 September if the plan…
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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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