Wilko in Colchester closes its doors to customers

The nationwide retailer, which sold homeware and household goods, announced in September it would shut 52 stores as part of a major structuring designed to save 300 branches.

Days later, however, the deal fell through, leading to an announcement all Wilko stores would be closed down by the start of October.

On Tuesday, it was Colchester’s turn to say farewell to a retailer which has been a regular name in city centres for decades.

Empty - The inside of Wilko on its final day in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)
Closed - Wilko in Colchester is no more (Image: Newsquest)

Prices had been reduced by 80 per cent across the store, with some staff members taking to the street later in the afternoon to tell passersby prices would be slashed by a further ten per cent.

Though the shelves were almost completely bare by the afternoon, some shoppers were still buying what was left, with packets of Ibuprofen being sold for as little a 50p.

Other items of homeware, such as table lamps, were sold for a knockdown price of £5.

Shoppers, such as Liz Rowland, said they were sad to see Wilko go, with many describing it as a handy store for buying basics such as toiletries and cookware cheaply.

Liz, who was in the shop with her three-year-old daughter, said the closure was another loss for the city centre’s retail scene.

Shoppers - Liz Rowland and daughter Maeve, aged 3 (Image: Newsquest)
She said: “You used to be able to go shopping and have a coffee - now you can just have a coffee.

“It sold a bit of everything – cooking supplies, toiletries, make-up… it replaced Woolworths, basically.

“We've just bought a few bits – it was good for getting kids’ stuff, and it was always so easy to get toiletries.”

Nationally, 12,500 jobs have been put at risk as a result of the retailer’s demise.

Closing - A customer browses the final items in Colchester's Wilko (Image: Newsquest)
Sale - Many of Wilko's products were sold off for bargain prices on the final day (Image: Newsquest)

One member of staff in the Colchester store – who had worked at the branch for 19 years – said she was “very emotional” about its closure.

Ms Rowland added she had sympathy with the staff who, she explained, were patient and friendly with customers.

“The staff were amazing – they were always friendly," she added.

“They never tried to rush you and the kids out. I don't know if they've got anywhere to go to.”