Blackwood Wilko store not part of nationwide closures

Blackwood’s Wilko store will remain open as the retailer announces the 52 stores across the UK which are set to close next week.

Wilko has more than 400 stores across the UK, including one on Blackwood High Street.

The company announced it entered administration in early August, as options have been explored to try and save the stores, the first of which opened in 1930.

In a list, released by Wilko, of the stores due to shut on September 12 and 14, Blackwood was not included. When asked, Wilko confirmed it would remain open.

Administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers said they couldn’t confirm if the store in Blackwood had been taken-over by another party, after retailer B&M announced it would be purchasing up to 51 stores across the country.

Despite this being “really good news”, Blackwood’s independent councillor, Kevin Etheridge, still has concerns. He said: “Lots of people have been worried about this and for the residents of Blackwood hopefully this offers some relief.

“However, I’ve got to warn that we are not out of the woods yet. Losing Wilko from the high street would be a major blow and something we can’t let happen.”

What a relief my local Wiko store in Blackwood is staying open at least for the time being, I feel sorry for anyone who loses their job and hope this little store manages to survive, fingers crossed.

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Jacko1971 · 51-55, M

Both stores here are staying open.

senghenydd · M

@Jacko1971 I take it the both stores you mentioned are in your area, the ones staying open have a very un-certain future, lets hope as many as possible stay open.

The Blackwood store first opened in 1930 it's a great store everyone there is very friendly I do hope it stays open.

Jacko1971 · 51-55, M

@senghenydd one is in the city centre. The other is on a retail park. Its always sad to see any business close. The retail park already has a B&M. In fact we have 3 B&Ms and a Home Bargains.

The same is happening with Homebase. Our Homebase shut down several years ago.

senghenydd · M

@Jacko1971 We have a Homebase in Newport Gwent that's a great store it's survived so far.

Some companies survive whilst others go under it's sad.

Jacko1971 · 51-55, M

@senghenydd i used to like Homebase. My go to DIY store now is B&Q. It is massive. It must be at least 3 times the size of anything else around here. We also have Wickes, tool station aand screwfix. There are probably more that im not familiar with.

senghenydd · M

@Jacko1971 We have a B&Q which is doing very well the nearby Wicks isn't, I wouldn't be surprised if the plug was pulled on that store it just doesn't attract enough customers.

For the size of the Wilko in Blackwood I would say that's doing well, just have the wait and see on that.