By Community reacts to ‘huge loss’ following closure of Cleethorpes Wilkos
Retailer Wilko announced its plans to close 15 stores this year, the company confirmed in January.
The firm said the stores were part of a review prompted by several leases coming to an end.
Bosses said they would consult with landlords and work with staff about other opportunities.
The GMB union said at the time it was “another nail in the High Street’s coffin” and warned hundreds of jobs could be lost.
The affected stores are:
- Bournemouth
- Stockton
- The Fort
- Shipley
- Scunthorpe
- Narborough Road
- Grantham
- Redditch
- Rotherham
- Skegness
- Sutton Coldfield
- Edmonton Green
- Llanelli
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Cleethorpes
The firm’s chief executive, Jerome Saint-Marc, said: “As a business, we’re evolving and this includes working with landlords for more favourable terms, as well as looking at locations and store formats.
“We’ll continue to pull together to make our business better to secure the future of over 16,000 team members.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to support our affected team members who will be offered any available positions in nearby stores.
“We apologise to those communities where stores are closing.”
The community has celebrated Wilko’s time in the town, with locals sharing their experiences:
“A big thank you to all the staff at the Wilko’s store in Cleethorpes on the last day of opening today, the staff have always been supportive and proactive in-store security and shop theft prevention and worked closely with Cleethorpes NPT.” Humberside Police said.
“This is a sad day for the Avenue. All lovely ladies that have served us over the years Thank you very much, and I wish you all the best for the future whatever you may do.” Another added.
“This is a huge loss to the Ave as always been a good store & lovely staff, I personally think it was the lack of parking in the area that prevented the profits from being far better, I’ve many, many times tried to park to no avail so have ended up going to Freemo Wilko, such a shame. Wish all the staff well for their future.” A frustrated local said.
“So now I won’t be getting anything from Wilkos. I don’t go uptown as parking is a nightmare. I always knew I could find what I wanted in there.
I think they have made a massive mistake shutting this one. They should have shut the one on Freeman Street. Don’t feel safe leaving my car parked down there. Good luck for the future to all staff. You’ll be sadly missed by so many.” Another added.
“As a visitor every year sad to see the shop close but a big thank you to all the staff who have helped us over the many years we’ve shopped there good luck to you all for the future.” One commented.
“Most people use it, people who can’t always travel because of a disability or not very good at getting around it’s handy for the local area, so why close it. Feel sorry for the staff it’s not their fault. Something needs to be done to stop this from happening.” Another added.
“It’s unbelievable! This store is always busy even in the out-of-season months. We use the store several times a week. It’s about time these shops were supported into staying open instead of being driven out through ridiculous rent fees.”
“This is a terrible decision by Wilko, it was used by the vast majority of people and I can only conclude this boils down to greed by both Landlords and extortionate rents and Wilko themselves who obviously only seem interested in bigger profits above all else.” They concluded.
