Wilko shares emotional message as another 37 stores to close doors for last time today | The Sun

WILKO has shared a heartfelt message as 37 of its stores pull down their shutters for the final time today.

The retailer collapsed into administration on August 10 after rescue attempts stalled.

Branches have already started closing across the UK, including 37 today.

But some staff have seen out their final shifts with cheer instead of sadness, including employees at one branch in Humberstone.

The store in Leicestershire closed on September 17, with workers dancing as they said goodbye to customers for the last time.

Sharing the BBC article with the dancing staff to its Facebook page last night, Wilko said in an emotional message: "We couldn't have asked for better team members."

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The post has been liked over 1,000 times with hundreds sharing how they will miss the staff at their local branches.

One said: "Bless you all, may you go on to greater times, always such a lovley (sic) experience shopping at Wilko Chepstow."

Meanwhile, a second said: "Such a shame. We all had happy memories there Wilko you will be missed."

A third said: "We will miss you in Northampton. Thank you for everything!"

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Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Staff will be missed in Cramlington & Ashington good luck for the future."

Meanwhile, one Wilko store has even started shifting its fixtures and fittings on the cheap as it closes down.

The branch in St Stephens Street, Norwich, left shoppers in shock yesterday after slapping price tags on fridges, shelves and cashier scales, reports the EDP.

Customers could even pick up pallet loaders, staff lockers and shopping trolleys for the right price.

Wilko collapsed into administration on August 10 after rescue attempts failed.

HMV's billionaire owner Doug Putman made a last minute bid to save 300 shops and up to 8,500 jobs in late August.

But just over 10 days later, Mr Putman said he could no longer move forward with the rescue deal after working with administrators PwC.

Hundreds of stores have closed their doors for the final time since.

On September 12, 24 Wilko stores closed for good and on Thursday September 14, another 28 stores shut up shop.

Both of Wilko’s warehouses also closed on September 15.

A further 38 stores pulled down their shutters one last time on September 17 and 38 more closed on September 19.

On September 22, nearly 50 branches closed their doors and 37 stores close their doors for the final time today.

Meanwhile, administrators PwC said the remaining 111 shops will shut in early October.

However, discount chain's Poundland and B&M have purchased a handful of stores which could be reopening in the near future.

Meanwhile, The Range has bought out the Wilko brand, including the name and website, in a £5million deal.

A message has since appeared on the Wilko website telling customers home delivery is "returning soon".

An exact date for when the service is returning is yet to be revealed.

It comes amid a turbulent time for retailers as they close stores across the UK.

Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping and away from physical branches, a trend made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.

High inflation since last year has meant shoppers' money isn't going as far either as they hold off on leisure purchases.

That, combined with high energy and wage costs, has seen a number of retailers closing stores, including Boots and Iceland.

Some have fallen into administration this year too, including Cath Kidston, Paperchase and M&Co.

But it's not all bad news – a number of retailers are expanding and opening stores, including Poundland, Primark and B&M.

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Dunkin' Donuts is hoping to open 30 new branches by 2025 as part of major expansion plans too.

And Wenzel's the Bakers has started opening nine new locations across the UK.

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