Wilko manager speaks out following closure of Winsford store

Mike Mason, team supervisor at the Winsford branch, has spoken out following the closure of the branch.

It comes as the high street retailer prepares to close all 222 of its stores by early October.

The Winsford shop shut for good on Tuesday (September 12) having opened in the town back in the 80s.

Mr Mason is hoping he and his colleagues will be back on their feet soon.

He said: “On behalf of management and all team members, we want to thank all our customers for their love and support over the last 35 years. Especially the last few weeks.

“You have been fantastic, and a pleasure to serve.

“We have served Winsford since 1988 and have seen staff and customers come and go.

“Wilko disappearing from high street, by greed, will leave a huge hole, like Woolworths did when it went into administration in 2008.

“I hope that everyone finds a new job, and I highly recommend all team members to new employers.”

READ MORE: Council offers support to Wilko staff

All 222 Wilko stores are set to close by early October (Image: Mike Mason)

Shortly before the Winsford Wilko closed on Tuesday, Pepco, the firm which owns Poundland, agreed to buy up to 71 stores.

These stores would then be reopened under the Poundland brand with existing Wilko workers given priority for roles.

However, the Winsford branch was not included in the list of shops bought by Pepco.

READ MORE: Winsford Wilko not among stores set to become Poundland

Edward Williams, joint administrator for Wilko, said: “Alongside the previously announced agreement with B&M, we’re confident this sale will create a platform for future employment opportunities for people including current Wilko team members at up to 122 locations.

“We will continue to engage with other retailers around any interest in other Wilko sites and are confident of completing a sale of the brand and intellectual property within the coming days.”