HEARTBROKEN customers have spoken of their sadness after popular High Street brand Wilko collapsed into administration today.

Wilko has collapsed into administration putting 12,000 jobs at risk after failing to secure a rescue deal.

The shop in the city's High Street has been popular with customers because of the range of goods on offer from gardening products to tableware and from children's toys to houseplants.

Worcester News: SAD: Wilko in Worcester High Street, the day it was announced the brand had collapsed into administration SAD: Wilko in Worcester High Street, the day it was announced the brand had collapsed into administration (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

 

 

Previously, Wilko filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court.

READ MORE: Wilko collapses into administration as 12,000 jobs at risk

READ MORE: Wilko bargain hunters start clearing shelves 

The firm is now in the early stages of investigating concerns around how the redundancy process was managed.

Worcester News: BLOW: People were still browsing Wilko for bargains at the Worcester High Street store the day it was announced the brand was collapsing into administration BLOW: People were still browsing Wilko for bargains at the Worcester High Street store the day it was announced the brand was collapsing into administration (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Councillor Robyn Norfolk,chair of the place and economic development committee, said: "It's an absolute shame that Wilko has had to go into administration. It will be a shame for the High Street if Wilko leaves.

"We can only hope a buyer can be found.

"I'm more worried about Wilko's employees. They need the reassurances that their jobs will be safe."

Maureen Griffiths, 78, of Warndon Villages, and her 16-year-old granddaughter, Megan Moore, of St John's, were among those to express their sadness.

Mrs Griffiths said: "I think it's a proper shame. My husband gets all his gardening stuff there. They have good quality products. I have never had any complaints."

Alex Harris, 30, of Droitwich, said: "I have always shopped here. I feel like it has always been part of the High Street. It's good value and convenient. I'm disappointed it's going into administration.

"It will be a big loss for the High Street and for Worcester. When you go in there's no clear sign it's closing yet."

Caitlin Jones, 18, of St John's, said: "They have a good range of stuff and it's quite cheap. It's rubbish that it has gone into administration. I hope the one in Malvern is staying."

Sue Oxley, 61, of Inkberrow said when she bought her first house she kitted it out with goods from Wilko, some of which she still had.

 "It's awful. This one in Worcester is new and looks lovely. What is going to happen to our High Street?" she said.

James Lucas, 72, of Worcester, said the Wilko in Droitwich in particular was 'fantastic'. 

"It's massive and absolutely fantastic. It's got everything. It's a shame it may be going. I hope it stays," he said.

Alex Pursey, 28, of Worcester said: "It's disappointing. It's a good place to get essentials and there are good discount prices. I feel sad for the workers there. The staff are lovely and really nice. I only work around the corner and the team in Wilko are always really helpful."

A few weeks ago Wilko Chief Executive Officer Mark Jackson shared that the company had “no choice” but to file for potential insolvency.