DISCOUNT retailer Wilko has given an update on the status of its stores in Shropshire including Oswestry, following an announcement that it plans to appoint administrators.
The brand, which has around 400 stores across the UK including locations in the town, filed a Notice of Intention (NOI) on Thursday, July 27, after failing to secure a takeover to save the business.
Wilko currently employs 12,000 staff and is the largest remaining privately owned retailer in the UK.
The Advertizer has approached Wilko for comment relating to its stores in New Street, which has been a popular destination for shoppers.
A spokesperson said: "No store closures have been announced and all stores remain open as usual."
The retailer added that reports by several outlets that up to 14 stores are in line to close following the worrying developments in the last fortnight are inaccurate and that these relate to store closures which were in fact announced in January 2022.
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Wilko chief executive Mark Jackson last week said: "While we can confirm we have had a significant level of interest, including indicative offers that we believe would meet all our financial criteria to recapitalise the business, at present we do not today have an offer that provides the necessary liquidity in the time we have available, given the mounting cash pressures we’re faced with.
"Unfortunately, with this in mind, today we are having to take the difficult decision to file a notice of intention.
"We will continue to progress discussions with interested parties with the aim of completing a transaction which preserves the business and will encourage those interested parties we’re in discussions with to move as fast as possible.
"We continue to believe that our robust turnaround plan, with significant re-stabilisation cost savings in progress, will deliver a profitable Wilko and maximise the significant opportunities that we know exist."
A potential loss of Wilko to Oswestry would be another blow to the town following some high-profile High Street closures in 2023.
Last week, Subway confirmed that its Willow Street store was now closed permanently while Barclays Bank has joined the exodus after closing its Cross Street branch.
Other businesses to leave the town include M&Co and Edinburgh Woollen Mill while there are reports that Boots are weighing up UK closures.
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