Wilko Luton store to reopen before Christmas

Luton's Wilko store closed on 8 October and will reopen on 8 December

A Wilko store that closed in October will be reopened before Christmas, its new owners have said.

The two-storey shop in the The Mall Luton is set to open on 8 December, exactly two months after it shut.

Owner CDS Superstores, which also owns The Range, said "five concept stores" would be opened in 2023 before it "kickstarts a programme of store openings" in 2024.

CEO Alex Simpkin said: "It's clear that there's a huge love for Wilko.

"We're proud to confirm we'll be reintroducing the brand to high streets in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton in the coming weeks."

The other two locations to be reopened before Christmas will be announced soon.

Luton's Wilko was one of 408 stores nationally that closed this autumn.

Wilko collapsed in early August, which led to thousands of job losses and the closure of its 408 stores, many of them in traditional town centres.

CDS Superstores said former Wilko staff would be given priority in the recruitment process for the new shops, which would employ up to 80 staff each.

Roy Greening, centre director of The Mall Luton, said that he was "thrilled" the "much loved-brand" would return so soon.

He said the retailer would be a "welcome addition to the Christmas shopping experience" and added: "We look forward to seeing the return of many loyal staff and customers."

Luton Mall's director said he is "thrilled" that Wilko is returning to the centre

Shoppers were also pleased it would be reopened and Rachael Weston, 33 called the news "brilliant".

"When we get off the bus, the first place we'd go is to Wilko," she said.

"It was so easy to get to, working in town. I bought everything there - bedding, stationery, cleaning products."

Elisia McMurray, 22, said the announcement was "really exciting" and Wilko was "a staple in the town".

"It was sad for everyone when we heard it was shutting," she said.