A member of staff at Swindon town centre’s Wilko store is “worried” about what the future holds after the shock news that the homeware brand had gone into administration.
The popular high street brand announced on Thursday morning that it collapsed into administration after a buyer had not been found.
If a buyer cannot be found, it will put more than 100 jobs at risk across the five stores in Wiltshire, including two in Swindon.
Speaking to the Adver anonymously on Thursday, one staff member at the store on The Parade, who had been with the chain for 24 years, said she was saddened by the news.
“We know as much as anyone else knows and we are just going day by day and taking it as it comes,” she said.
“We as staff are worried as we all have mortgages and rent to pay, it’s not like there are hundreds of jobs about.
“I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else other than here, it would be very weird.”
The company’s future remains unknown across the UK with currently no sign of a buyer to help rescue the chain.
“The loss of Wilkos is big as this is like the old Woolworths so I can’t believe no one has stepped in,” she added.
“We are hopeful that someone will do before it gets too far down the line.”
Customers made the trip to the shop on Thursday afternoon having heard the news of the company’s possible closure.
Susan Farell from Walcot was buying buy a gift card but saw that only Wilko’s own cards were available with a nearby sign saying that no branded cards could be processed.
“I come into Wilkos quite a lot as it is more or less every time I come into town and I like walking around and tend to get a lot from here,” the 87-year-old said.
Another customer, Mary Jones, was surprised by the news as she was heading to
“I’m disappointed to hear that the stores could close, obviously for the staff, but also because the High Street is dying,” said the 60-year-old.
“It is going to be another place that people can’t go to and because they have such a big variety in here, it will be a loss.
“There is even less of a reason to come to the town centre if it goes.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel