Wilco Stores in Kent Ax Avoidance

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Wilko says its stores in Kent are safe despite revealing a list of 15 branches today that it plans to close.

The retailer, which has branches in Ashford, Canterbury, Thanet, Midway, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells, says as many as 15 stores nationwide are likely to close before January 2023.

Wilco in Westwood Cross, Thanet. Photo: Google Street View

Also under threat, according to GMB, is Wilko’s store in Orpington’s Walnuts shopping center – although a company spokesperson could not confirm whether it was at risk.

But speaking to KOL today, Wilco said there are “no other plans” to close other stores as it adjusts its branches in light of our changing shopping habits.

The affected stores will be closed as the lease contracts expire and no favorable terms can be agreed, the company said, adding that this will not affect its new openings or the store relocation programme.

She added that the move “will ensure that future investments are made only in large sites on appropriate terms.”

Wilko CEO, Jerome Saint-Marc said: “Our history is steeped in serving our customers and our communities since 1930, but it is undeniable the way people shop with us and where they want to shop with us is changing.

Wilko in Gillingham – All Kent retailers have avoided the threat of closing announced today

“As a company we develop, this includes working with landlords to get better terms, as well as looking at locations and store layouts. We will continue to work together to make our business better to secure the future of over 16,000 team members.”

“We will do everything we can to support our affected team members who will be offered any positions available in nearby stores. We apologize to those communities where stores are closed but we will continue to provide whatever they need in nearby stores or online.”

As a result, GMB says 330 jobs are on the line. The Orpington store has 23 employees.

“These shutdowns are devastating for Wilko workers and the communities that use them,” said Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer.

“It’s another nail in the coffin for Main Street and the GMB is calling on councils and landlords to review commercial leases and offer lower rents.

“Empty main streets and malls are in no one’s interest, but with 400 stores closing a week, this is inevitable – unless building costs are reduced.”

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