Wilko is the latest shop to be edged out by competition but it doesn't have to mean the end for the budget retailer
It now has around 400 stores, but it has also become the latest high street shop to face serious financial troubles.
- It now has around 400 stores, but it has also become the latest high street shop to face serious financial troubles.
- It reported losses over the last four years, and closed 15 stores last year after attempts to restructure the business.
- More changes to its business will now be needed, including further store closures and job losses as the company files for administration.
- Combined with the continued growth of internet companies such as Amazon, this competition has left Wilko without a unique selling point.
Retail headwinds
- The coronavirus pandemic certainly did not help the retail sector, but some businesses were more adversely affected than others.
- Government financial assistance, which included business rates relief, tax holidays, and restrictions on landlord’s ability to call rents, provided some temporary relief.
- But once this assistance ended, Wilko was exposed to the post-pandemic world, which has seen its fair share of retail casualties since the start of the pandemic.
Rethinking the future
- Wilko undoubtedly faces a dire situation, but unlike recent retail failures, it does have a future – it could just be in a different form.
- In other cases, the struggling company might reinvent itself, although this requires extensive restructuring, and may only prolong the misery.
- But it could also lead to new initiatives such as developing its online presence further and expanding its delivery options.