Closing date announced for Wilko in Maidenhead

A closing date has been announced for Wilko in Maidenhead after a rescue bid for the high street retailer collapsed. 

Administrators have been working with Wilko since August 10 to rescue operations but yesterday (Monday), staff were informed that all Wilko stores will close for good. 

Wilko has 400 stores – including one on Maidenhead High Street – and approximately 12,500 employees.

The GMB union said 'there is no prospect of saving the remaining store estate in its entirety' and administrator PwC said all Wilko stores will close by early October.

Last week, administrators PwC confirmed that 52 stores would close today (September 12) and Thursday, September 14, and Maidenhead was not included in this list. 

Last night (Monday), a second round of 124 store closures were announced.

Wilko in Maidenhead is one of the 38 stores that will close on Sunday, September 17.

Staff have been asked to work two extra days after the store has closed, so the final day for employees is on Tuesday, September 19.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, says: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments - the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern - a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable.

“The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

"As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

"We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted.

“We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”