Discount retailer that saved Wilko name set to open new stores – is one coming near you?

THE discount retailer that saved Wilko’s name is set to open new stores.

You might be getting The Range near you as the bargain chain will be opening three stores in the coming months.

Whilst The Range already has over 180 stores across the UK and Ireland, a further three branches will be opening their doors between September and December this year.

Lisburn will get its own branch on September 22, followed by the Walkden store opening on November 24, and later in Leamington Spa on December 1.

A statement on The Range website read: “Whilst we already have over 180 stores across the UK and Ireland, we’re constantly looking for new opportunities to grow and serve communities in more areas.

“We’ve got plenty of new store openings planned in the near future, so keep an eye out for exciting information below – we might be opening a store near you!”

It comes after Wilko administrators have agreed the sale of the retailer’s brand name to The Range in a £5million deal.

The deal will see the Wilko website and the brand name live on as all shops close for good.

The Sun exclusively revealed that The Range owner Chris Dawson was close to securing a deal with administrators at PwC and that an announcement was imminent.

The Range is expected to relaunch the Wilko website in early October after all stores close.

As part of the deal, which also includes Wilko’s intellectual property, 36 jobs have been saved as the employees transfer over to the discounter.

Jane Steer, joint administrator, said: “Since our appointment, the feedback from customers and wider stakeholders during this challenging period has reinforced the fact that Wilko remains a much loved and trusted brand within the UK.

“This sale to The Range will ensure that the Wilko name lives on under their ownership and we wish The Range every success.”

Mr Dawson’s retail empire is exclusively on retail parks and he had little interest in taking on Wilko’s shops.

Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer of The Range said: “This acquisition comes at a time when consumers are more than ever wanting to shop with confidence for value and quality, we are delighted to have acquired this brand and we will ensure that the Wilko brand will continue to deliver for the UK consumer, both in-store and on-line.”

The Range is one of the many bargain retailers opening across the country.

Discount shop Poundland is opening five brand new stores this month.

The chain already opened dozens of new stores in the first half of this year.

Two of the five new stores will be opening within days, while others will be open later this month.