The first set of Wilko stores under its new owner opened over the weekend, marking the discount chain’s return to the high street.
The Exeter and Plymouth stores are the first two out of five planned by The Range owner CDS Superstores, which rescued the brand from administration in September.
Both branches will stock the retailer’s home and garden range, mixing brands with its own label. There is also an on-site paint mixing service in both stores.
Self-service terminals are also in the stores where customers can browse and order from the 100,000 items available on Wilko’s website for home delivery.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
CDS Superstores, which said it would prioritise hiring former Wilko employees for the new stores, has recruited three quarters of the original team in Plymouth and a third of the Exeter team across all levels.
Chief executive Alex Simpkin said: “The customer reaction to the new stores opening today has been fantastic and proves we’re doing the right thing in returning this much-loved retailer to UK high streets.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
