Poundland will open 10 stores on Saturday, all of which are former Wilko sites. The retailer said it would stock customer favourites, including clothing, as well as any existing Wilko clearance items.
Poundland owner Pepco said it is encouraging former Wilko staff to apply for jobs at the locations.
Pepco said it would prioritise former Wilko workers for roles in the stores, including store assistants and managers.
Darren Kay, Poundland retail director, said: “We’re pleased to be able to re-open so quickly – not least because our ambition is to provide job opportunities for former Wilko colleagues.
“Of course, we’re not yet in a position to offer our fullest ranges in these stores, but we know customers will appreciate a shop that’s open, trading and employing colleagues to one that’s got its shutters closed.”
WATCH NOW: Former Wilko employee reacts to closures
The company agreed to buy up to 71 Wilko stores from administrator PwC earlier this month, following the high street chain's collapse in August.
All of these stores will be reopened under the Poundland brand, with the aim to reopen by the end of 2023. Poundland currently has more than 800 stores across its UK estate.
Full list of 10 Wilko stores reopening as Poundland
Pepco said the following former Wilko stores will reopen on September 30 as Poundland shops:
- Broad Street, Chell Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, West Midlands
- Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, Nelson, Lancashire
- The Peel Centre, Great Portwood Street, Stockport, Greater Manchester
- The Mall, Church Street, Eccles, Manchester
- London Street, Southport, Merseyside
- Lord Street, Leigh, Greater Manchester
- East Street, Barking, London
- High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire
- Bede Precinct, Viking Centre, Jarrow, South Tyneside
- The Broadway, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
The Wilko brand name was saved by The Range earlier this month, with the retailer agreeing to buy Wilko's brand, website and intellectual property.
It's understood the company has plans to sell the acquired brand within its stores.
B&M also agreed to buy up to 51 stores from Wilko administrators, who were forced to sell off the retailer's assets after failing to secure a rescue deal for the entire business.
Wilko employed 12,500 people and had around 400 stores before it collapsed into administration last month.
All Wilko stores are closing, many of which have already closed. The last remaining stores will shut on Sunday, October 8.
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Poundland owner Pepco agreed to buy up to 71 Wilko stores earlier this month
PA
Andy Bond, Executive Chairman of Pepco Group, said earlier this month: “The agreement to take control of a number of Wilko store leases will help to bring Poundland’s fantastic prices and offer to even more customers in the UK.
"It will be pleasing to offer employment to a number of Wilko’s colleagues - who will benefit from being part of a successful and fast-growing pan-European variety discount group.
“Pepco Group is well placed for future success across Europe, supported by its market-leading customer proposition, strong balance sheet and impressive cash flow.
"The Group’s strategy to become a bigger, better, cheaper and simpler business will enable it to continue to providing families on a budget with great range, value and convenience for many years to come.”
