Poundland and B&M deals for 100 Wilko stores facing collapse due landlord haggling October 4, 2023 The acquisition of 100 Wilko stores by B&M and Poundland could fall through, as the discount retailers attempt to negotiate more favourable terms with landlords. B&M, which acquired 51 Wilko stores, has been accused of delaying completing deals while it looks to set up new rent and lease arrangements and to renegotiate the terms in [...]
Pepco: British Poundland veteran parachuted in to save struggling European wing September 28, 2023 A retail veteran, who was instrumental in driving UK growth for budget outlet Poundland, has been reshuffled by Pepco to head up its struggling European division. The move comes as the arm posted its second profit warning in three weeks. Barry Williams, who served as managing director of Poundland and Dealz, in the UK and [...]
The Pensions Regulator investigates Wilko family dividends September 24, 2023 The Pensions Regulator is scrutinising the dividends withdrawn from Wilko as part of an inquiry into the high street discount chain’s downfall. The chain collapsed in August, putting over 12,000 jobs at risk, and now family shareholders are facing pressures to fill a £56m deficit in its pension fund, the Sunday Times has reported. It [...]
Here’s when Wilko will close its final stores following collapse September 22, 2023 Wilko is to shut the doors of its last remaining stores on Sunday October 8 as the collapse of the historic retailer comes to a close. The hardware and furnishings retailer tumbled into administration last month after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers. The retailer will shut its final [...]
High street struggles: 2,000 local stores, pubs and hairdressers wiped away this year September 21, 2023 Nearly 2,000 independent local stores were left vacant in the first half of this year, as the cost of living crisis continues to eat away at the health of the high street and small businesses. Some 1,915 independent businesses on high streets, retail parks and shopping centres closed in the first leg of this year, marking [...]
Wilko: Union calls for former boss to face MPs over £56m pension pot hole September 20, 2023 The union representing Wilko workers called for Lisa Wilkinson to answer questions about a £53m hole in its pension pot.
How Brits (and businesses) fell in love with the humble retail park September 20, 2023 On the outskirts of every bustling town and city lies the reliable, yet boring, retail park. But, as dull as they may be, retail parks are having their moment in the sun.
Wilko: High street chain collapsed owing £400m to creditors September 15, 2023 Wilko collapsed with a well over £400m gap in its finances, according to documents published on Companies House, including £157.3m owed to trade creditors. The reports, first published by The Grocer, show that the high street chain owed £411m to unsecured creditors, and a further £25.8m was owed to HMRC. Some of the creditors included [...]
British high street is not dead, minister insists after Wilko collapse September 14, 2023 The British high street is not dead but merely changing, ministers have insisted, after Labour accused the government of “giving up” on retail following the collapse of Wilko. Business minister Kevin Hollinrake insisted high street shopping is “reshaping itself”, as homeware shop the Range confirmed it will buy Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property after [...]
John Lewis pushes turnaround plan back two years as losses narrow September 14, 2023 Losses at John Lewis have shrunk but the struggling retailer warned that its ambitious partnership plans have been pushed back two years.