Both Wilko stores in Luton and Dunstable set to close following rescue deal collapse

All 400 Wilko stores across the UK will close by early October, it has been confirmed this morning (Monday).

GMB Union confirmed that the Wilko name will disappear from UK high streets in early October as a rescue deal for the stricken chain fell through. All 12,500 staff are now likely facing redundancy at the business.

Last week Luton News reported that Wilko’s joint administrators had confirmed 52 stores across the country would close, but the Luton and Dunstable shops were not on that list at the time.

The joint administrators said that they had entered into an agreement to provide B&M with the option to acquire up to 51 properties after the administration trading period ends at those sites.

It is understood that no bidders want to run any of the shops under the Wilko name, but some parties are interested in rebranding the stores – like Poundland.

HMV’s billionaire owner Doug Putman had hoped to keep up to 300 Wilko stores open but the bid failed as rising costs complicated the deal. It is expected the GMB Union will confirm redundancies today.