Wilko in Southend shuts its doors for good

The store closed permanently on Tuesday 3 October, after the chain collapsed in to administration and all remaining stock was heavily discounted.

The retailer fell into administration last month after it faced increasing pressures from less consumer spending and debts to suppliers.

The retailer shut its final 111 stores in early October as part of the final phase of closures.

Local resident Laura Dee said: “So many of my child’s Christmas stocking fillers were bought in here over the years. Best wishes to all the staff.”

Another shopper, John Payne, said it was one of his favourite shops: “You could buy virtually everything in there from cat food to door hinges! And all at very cheap prices. Staff were always cheerful and helpful too. A huge loss.”

Wilkinson, more recently branded as Wilko, was a prominent British high-street retail chain with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.

Wilko began in 1886 when James Kemsey Wilkinson opened his first hardware store in Leicester, England. Originally, the store focused on hardware and ironmongery.

Over the years, the business expanded and diversified its offerings, including homeware, garden supplies, household goods and its popular pick and mix sweets.

By the mid-20th century, Wilko had grown into a successful chain of stores with hundreds of locations across the UK.