Six Greater Manchester Wilko shops to be taken over by Poundland as leases agreed- full list

Six Wilko shops in Greater Manchester are to reopen as Poundlands following a partial takeover of leases. In total, Poundland will take over 71 Wilko shops following the company's recent financial struggles. 

Wilko shops in Bolton, Altrincham, Leigh, Sale, Stockport and Eccles will close and re-open as Poundland shops. Wilko workers at these branches have been told they will be given priority when applying for jobs at the new shops. 

The news comes following confirmation that Poundland have agreed to take on the leases of 71 Wilko shops across the country. Poundland have said they expect the leases to be completed in the autumn. 

The demise of Wilko has been well documented in recent weeks, and the retailer's disappearance from the high street is another blow to staff and shoppers. Wilko fell into administration in August and rescue bids have been attempted in the weeks since. Another 51 Wilko branches will be taken over by B&M. 

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said: “In the coming weeks we will work quickly with landlords so we can open these stores as Poundlands with the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development. And once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of the Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.

“We know how valued Wilko colleagues have been in scores of communities across the UK and we look forward to offering them opportunities to join our family. We recognise the last few weeks have been difficult for them and we will move quickly to secure new consents from landlords so we can offer them the certainty they deserve. 

“The Wilko stores will accelerate our existing transformation programme, offering amazing value for consumers, providing growth opportunities for suppliers and supporting employment in the high streets, shopping centres and retail parks customers love.”