Wilko, the beloved brand, is set to make a triumphant return to the High Street with the new owner planning to open as many as five stores before the festive season.

The Range, which also acquired Wilko's website following its earlier collapse, will debut the first two Wilko stores in Plymouth and Exeter.

The CEO of The Range highlighted the significant public affection for Wilko, stating, "It's evident that there's a deep-seated fondness for Wilko."

Wilko faced a severe crisis in early August, leading to the closure of its 408 stores and the loss of thousands of jobs, many of which were located in traditional town centers.

CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range, has expressed its commitment to giving former Wilko staff priority in the recruitment process for the new outlets.

Alex Simpkin, the CEO, explained, "The public's reaction to the closure of Wilko stores was resounding. That's why we have decided to reintroduce Wilko to many of the High Streets and communities it once proudly served."

While High Street locations remain convenient for car-less shoppers, there has been a shift towards larger retail parks and out-of-town alternatives with more space since the pandemic began. Wilko's inability to keep up with the competition from other discount retailers, including The Range, B&M, and Poundland, played a significant role in its downfall.

CDS Superstores is aiming to open up to five Wilko stores before Christmas, with two leases already secured for High Street locations in Devon. These will be "concept" stores, with two more set for the South-East of England and one in the North of England, expected to be announced soon. For the first time, Wilko-branded shops will also make an appearance in Northern Ireland.

Founded in 1930, Wilko initially expanded across the Midlands and became one of Britain's fastest-growing retailers by the 1990s. After the company went into administration, competitors like B&M and Poundland acquired numerous Wilko shops to operate under their own banners. The Range's owner stepped in to purchase the Wilko brand for £5 million, following the failure of a separate rescue attempt for the wider business.

CDS Superstores is currently in negotiations with landlords to secure a mix of former Wilko sites and new locations for its new stores. These five shops, set to open before Christmas, will have various characteristics, including single-level, split-level, and an out-of-town retail park option. They are intended to be permanent fixtures rather than pop-up stores.

CDS has confirmed that the new stores will offer a wide range of Wilko products, including cleaning and household items, DIY essentials, and household goods.

The company also announced that the expansion will continue into the next year, with plans to open hundreds of stores in the coming years.

Richard Lim, CEO of Retail Economics, noted that the venture represents an intriguing development that might not have been part of the original acquisition plan. He also cautioned that executing this expansion successfully would not be straightforward, as many High Streets are grappling with dwindling foot traffic.

In the new stores, customers will have access to the complete Wilko range and can order products for home delivery through newly installed terminals. Furthermore, The Range plans to carry Wilko products in its 200 shops.

Wilko stores were known for their in-house brand products, including a variety of household items and pick-and mix sweets. Shoppers had lamented the loss of these products when the stores were closed earlier this year. Photo by Vauxford, Wikimedia commons.