The mood in the Wilko in Lewisham Shopping Centre is sombre on Thursday afternoon as dozens of customers ponder whether this visit might be their last, now that the budget retailer has officially entered administration.
The south-east London branch is one of about 400 across the country facing the threat of closure after rescue talks failed, putting 12,000 jobs across the business at risk.
Signs are evident of the recent problems the chain has been having with its suppliers, with gaps on shelves in the pick-and-mix and stationery sections. But judging by shoppers’ reactions, there is still great affection for the brand and it will be sorely missed if it does disappear.
“I’m really broken-hearted that they’re going to go,” says Maggie Callaghan, 69. “They always do a good offer on things like washing liquid, bin bags, organic products and stationery – and they’ve got plants, too. I mean, I’m retired now, so I’m always looking for offers!”
Winsome, 53, who gave only her first name, says: “Ever since I got my own flat, I come here very often to buy everything I need, always. It’s cheap and the things here are good quality.” She grins as she puts two chopping boards into her full basket: “Look here, I got one for my daughter and one for myself.”
Kashara and Daniel Loman, 31 and 30 respectively, live just round the corner and are similarly devoted. “You can get everything here,” Daniel says. “From cleaning products to food containers, everything you’d need for your house, you go to Wilko to get it.”
“The rewards and cashback I get from shopping here is why I come back,” Kashara adds. “I’ll miss the bargains, and there’s just something comforting about it. It reminds me of Woolworths, obviously I was young when it opened, but Wilko just reminds me of that time.”
Other shoppers note the similarities to the former high street stalwart, which went bust 14 years ago with many of its former sites subsequently taken on by Wilko.
“I’ve always wondered why Woolworths had failed, while Wilko thrived,” says Colin Crisford. “I guess it’s a difficult market. Maybe they expanded too fast, too big of a store, I mean you would have thought some outlets would make a profit and they would slim the business down.”
The 65-year-old is looking for rubble sacks in the gardening section. “They have a good range of stuff, well priced. I’m going to miss it, definitely.”
Those feelings were echoed by people across the country, with readers telling the Guardian of their sadness at the administration news. Lynn, 63, a lecturer in Washington, Tyne and Wear, said that after she heard the news that the chain was on the brink of collapse, “I dashed into Wilko last weekend to make sure that I got the things I needed to complete my home studio makeover in case they went down.
“The shop is conveniently placed near the railway station and bus station so it was handy if, like I did, you bought a lot of stuff. It was a good place for basic DIY stuff and household furnishings. They had good wall paints and the products were both functional and reasonably priced.”
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Cristina Jimenez, a 35-year-old civil servant living in London, praised the friendliness of staff and the quality and prices of the own-brand products, which she said had helped her manage the soaring cost of living.
However, she had also noticed recent supply issues. “We have had difficulties getting hold of some items recently – white vinegar, dishwasher tabs – but because of their quality and competitive price, we go several times a week to see if they have them back in stock.”
Lesley, from Kent, said: “As an elderly person without a car, I find travelling to suburban superstores difficult. But now it seems I’ll have to, as there will be nowhere left in the town centre to buy practical, everyday and good-quality things. Another win for online shopping!”
Joe, a 34-year-old team leader from Norwich, bemoaned the loss of somewhere to make small purchases without incurring a delivery fee. “Wilko will be missed because they frequently sell lots of little things that are difficult to get in other places, or not worth ordering, but are incredibly necessary,” he said.
“For example, it makes no sense to order a radiator key [online] because you can usually only buy a set of three for a fiver, whereas Wilko will have them right there for £1. I’ll miss it a lot when it’s gone.”
