Bosses say every store will get a makeover in time, but they were keen to get stores up and running and people back in work
Part of the ceiling at one of Greater Manchester's former Wilko stores collapsed just hours after it reopened under the Poundland brand.The shop is far from complete and sections were still closed off when we visited on Sunday afternoon.
There were some visible problems, with damp in the ceiling and pools of water on the floor.I bought exactly the same shopping from Asda and with the Tesco Clubcard to see which is cheapest Shortly before closing time, a section of the ceiling actually collapsed into one of the aisles. Staff could be seen clearing the debris, with one saying it had narrowly missed his head as it fell. Poundland has acknowledged that some of the former Wilko stores are in need of an update, but were keen to get them reopened rather than having shops with shutters down - and to get people back in work. Around 13 former Wilko employees have already been taken on at the new store and the firm is still reaching out to get more on board. Bosses say they have 'done an amazing job' turning the stores round so quickly and in time they'll all 'get full makeovers, so the weekend is only the start of their journey to become a Poundland'. Poundland retail director Darren Kay said: “We’re pleased to be able to re-open so quickly in Eccles – not least because our ambition is to provide job opportunities for former Wilko colleagues. “Of course, we’re not yet in a position to offer our fullest ranges in the store, but we know customers will appreciate a store that’s open, trading and employing colleagues to one that’s got its shutters closed. “We’d encourage customers old and new to come and say hello to their new Poundland team. Poundland intends to carry out a full makeover of the Eccles store in 2024 so it can become a fully operational Poundland." Wilko employed 12,500 staff and ran 400 shops before it hired administrators in August after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers. Administrators from PwC say all the stores will be closed by early October. However Wilko’s name will not disappear from high streets for good following a deal struck with The Range, which will see it buy Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property. Around 122 of the Wilko stores will be purchased by B&M, as well as Poundland owner Pepco.
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