Stockport's Wilko store, which closed on 14 September, is one of 71 locations across the country acquired by Poundland. 

The old Wilko store will become a Poundland branch as the latter takes over the lease. However, some jobs may be saved, as Poundland says it will prioritise Wilko staff for the new stores.

Elsewhere in the country, B&M has also acquired 51 stores, bringing the total of 'saved' Wilko branches to 122. 

A spokesperson for Poundland said the stores in the deal were mostly in locations where it currently has a 'limited presence', although Poundland already has one store a few minutes away in Stockport town centre, and is reportedly opening another in Spring 2024. 

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said the company would work quickly with landlords to get its new shops open once the administration process is wound up.

He added: "The lease assignments are expected to be completed in early Autumn, enabling these stores to join Poundland's existing 800-plus UK estate and open in the important fourth calendar quarter of 2023. [...]

"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."

Wilko fell into administration in August, struggling with losses and competition from rivals such as B&M and Home Bargains.

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