Last days of Wilko: Sadness at loss of store, jobs and another high street destination
The impending loss of another former titan of the British high street was being greeted with sadness by shoppers in Kidderminster.
The Wilko store on Market Street in the town centre officially closes its doors on Tuesday, joining 36 other stores across the country in shutting up shop following the high street chain going into administration.
Inside, the shop was a shell of its former self, with empty shelves and signs hanging up to tell customers of the impending closure and many items being sold at heavily reduced prices.
Members of staff could be seen talking with customers, with some offering handshakes or a pat on the shoulder as they faced an uncertain future.
For those shopping in the store on the day before it closed for good, sadness stemmed from the loss of jobs for staff and of another reason to go into the town centre.
Vivienne Spilsbury said it was a sad day for the town, with the 66-year-old saying it reminded her of her own experiences of working somewhere that went into administration.
She said: "I was very sad when I heard about the closing of the store and the end of Wilko as it's happened to me before, so I know how they're feeling - and it's not very nice when you're in that situation.
