Aycliffe, Redcar and Gateshead Wilko stores are closing this week

This comes as the homewares and hardware brand failed to secure a “rescue deal” last week after submitting a notice of intent to appoint administrators to PwC earlier this month.

According to the PwC administration, all 400 Wilko stores will close by the beginning of October.

Read more: Wilko: What will happen to the 22 Northeast branches?

Last week administrators confirmed that rival discount chain The Range had acquired Wilko’s brand, website and intellectual property.

With Wilko stores in Bishop Auckland, Ashington and North Shields already closing, Redcar, Newton Aycliffe, Byker and Gateshead will all close this week.

There are four Wilko branches in the North East that are closing their doors this week:

• Wilko – Redcar, 81 High Street (This store closes Tuesday 19th September)
• Wilko – Newton Aycliffe, Aycliffe Shopping Center (This store will be closed on Thursday 21st September)
• Wilko – Byker (this store closes on Tuesday September 19th)
• Wilko – Gateshead (this store closes on Thursday 21st September)

Wilko recently suspended its online home delivery service, telling customers they would not be able to deliver orders and instead directing them to use its click-and-collect service or search for items in its stores.

Meanwhile, several Wilko stores in the North East have been bought by rival Poundland after a deal to rescue Wilko from HMV collapsed earlier this week.

According to PwP management, the deal will see the thrifty retailer take over the leases for nine Wilko North East stores.

Nationally, Pepco Group will rebrand 71 former Wilko stores in Poundland and recruit new staff, giving priority to those who previously worked in the stores.

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Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both us and Putman Investments – the remaining party interested in acquiring a significant part of the business as a going concern – a transaction could not be completed due to the Inability to drive forward reduce core infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a business economically viable.

“We have been humbled by the commitment shown by all team members during this time and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

“Like those who have already been given notice of termination, we will guide and support affected team members through the termination claims process in the coming weeks.”

“We are also continuing to work closely with the relevant authorities and are contacting potential employers to enable those affected to quickly return to new employment.”

“We continue to work with potential buyers for various business sectors and are confident of completing the transactions in the coming days.”