STAFF at Wilko in Barry say they have been left in the dark about what is happening with the high street chain after the company’s future remained in the balance.
Possible bidders for Wilko had their final opportunity to declare an interest in buying the crisis-stricken retailer on Wednesday, August 16, as administrators seek a deal to save jobs.
At Wilko on Holton Road, shelves were ransacked and the atmosphere was flat as shoppers browsed what was left in the aisles.
Watch the video below and see the sad sight of the empty shelves in Wilko, Barry
Inside #Wilkinsons in #Barry as the company looks for a buyer pic.twitter.com/Luitu0Bi1J
— Harry Jamshidian (@HarryJam88) August 17, 2023
The store has announced its “administrative sale” - however it’s not even clear what is and isn’t going on sale and when.
Staff were frustrated and sad and they said they are totally in the dark about what is going on.
Hayley Knight, who has worked at Wilko for a year and a half said she did not know what was happening.
“We’re not being told anything,” said Ms Knight.
We were in the store when the deputy manager was in a meeting with unions. She declined our request for questions.
Watch the video below of the scene in Wilko in Barry
It was quite inside #wilkos in #Barry😥 pic.twitter.com/dUeWeSTPrD
— Harry Jamshidian (@HarryJam88) August 17, 2023
Ms Knight went on to say she enjoyed her job, but could see things weren’t right.
“You could see the shelves getting emptier,” said Ms Knight. “It’s tough, particularly for elderly people who used the store. I liked meeting people.”
Bidders to be whittled down in process to save Wilko
Despite August 16 being the deadline for bidders to declare an interest in Wilko, any deal for the retailer, its brand or stores was not expected to be sealed on the day.
PA news agency understands that initial bids will then be whittled down to a reduced number of more serious options, with a second round of the process due to start from Friday.
The retailer’s chief executive, Mark Jackson, said last Thursday it had received “a significant level of interest”, but was “left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action” after being unable to close a solvent sale.
In an open letter, that was on display in Wilko, Barry, Mr Jackson said they were doing everything to try save the company.
“Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.
“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.
“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”
Will you miss Wilko in Barry? Do you think it can be saved? Let us know at harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk
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