Major supermarket confirms it could take over Wilko stores and tells workers to apply for jobs | The Sun
A MAJOR supermarket chain has hinted it could take on some of Wilko's stores as it called for staff from the ailing business to apply for roles.
Giles Hurley, UK and Ireland chief executive of Aldi, said the business could rescue branches as part of its own expansion plans.
The discounter is set to create thousands of jobs and open 500 stores in the coming years.
The retailer currently runs 990 branches in the UK, but has plans to bring the total number of its catalogue to 1,500.
In a hint Aldi could take on Wilko stores, Mr Hurley said: "Clearly, with an ambitious target of 1,500 stores, we will look at all the opportunities.
"It comes down to the availability and suitability.”
Read more in Wilko
Rescue talks to save 200 Wilko stores and thousands of jobs edges closer
What went wrong with Wilko revealed as stricken retailer starts closing stores
Aldi also recently urged Wilko staff to apply for any one of its 6,000 current vacancies.
It comes after Wilko collapsed into administration last month, putting its 400 stores and 12,000 jobs at risk.
Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have been appointed to try and manufacture a rescue deal.
However, more than 50 stores have already been earmarked for closure with over 1,000 jobs to be axed.
Most read in Money
FRESH HOPE
Rescue talks to save 200 Wilko stores and thousands of jobs edges closer
LOT-TO LOSE
I won £1.8m prize with my husband – our life unravelled but I had a great time
BAKERY TREAT
Greggs reveals new autumn menu with a twist on an axed McDonald’s favourite
HOUSE HELL
Neighbours’ £300k new builds ‘plagued by dodgy electrics, floods and foul smell’
Twenty-four branches will shut on September 12 followed by a further 28 stores two days later.
In total, PwC has slashed over 1,330 jobs in the latest round of redundancies.
Meanwhile, 229 roles will be cut from Wilko's two warehouses in Workshop and Newark and a further 17 from the company's digital team at its support centre.
Some stores will remain open though. Rival discounter B&M has said it will step in and buy 51 locations in a £13million deal.
It's not clear at this time which branches will be saved from shutting.
In an update to investors, B&M said the move was "fully funded from existing cash reserves and the acquisition is not expected to be conditional on any regulatory clearances."
There are also fresh hopes a further 200 stores and thousands of jobs could be saved after sources told The Sun the owner of HMV, Doug Putman, was working towards a deal which could be announced as soon as next week.
It comes after a last-minute bid by M2Capital was shut down after the investment firm could not prove it had sufficient funding and doubts were raised over its credibility.
Wilko collapsed into administration back in August after failing to find new backing.
Shoppers took to social media to share emotional tributes following the news, with many comparing it to the loss of Woolworths.
Others were looking to snap up a bargain after the retailer launched an administration sale which saw discounts of up to 50% off.
In an emotional open letter to customers, Wilko's chief executive officer Mark Jackson said the company had "left no stone unturned" in a bid to save the chain.
Read More on The Sun
Fans convinced Kanye’s wife is pregnant after spotting clue in Italy
Molly Marsh praised for revealing ‘real body’ secret not shown on Love Island
Lisa Wilkinson, granddaughter of the chain's founder, said in a heartfelt interview everyone had put their "soul and heart" into saving the chain.
Wilko was founded in 1930, opening its first store in Leicester under the Wilkinson Cash Stores brand.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
Source: Read Full Article