![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/homeware-chain-boss-says-it-could-take-over-wilko-stores-as-part-of-plans-to-open-10-new-shops/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2hg456a-wilko-shop-front-dudley-846611881.jpg&description=EXPANSION PLAN Homeware chain boss says it could take over Wilko stores as part of plans to open 10 new shops THE boss of a popular homeware giant has hinted that it could take over Wilko stores as part of plans to open up to 20 new shops. Dunelm has said it expects to acquire several former Wilko locations. 1 Wilko stores could be taken over by Dunlem shops Credit: Alamy Nick Wilkinson, chief executive at Dunelm, told The Times it has been looking at some Wilko locations that will soon "end up with a Dunlem above the door". It comes as the homeware giant revealed it has plans to open several new stores across the UK. In its latest preliminary results, Dunelm said it has plans to open "five to 10" new stores each year in the next two years. Wilkinson also said that he wanted to target stores in "urban areas" in southeast England and London. This is where there are fewer Dunelms already and will therefore make it easier for customers to access stores. The Sun has asked Dunelm for confirmation but there is no certainty that the homeware giant will buy old Wilko locations. Last week, Lidl hinted that it has plans to take over several former sites. Lidl boss Ryan McDonnell revealed his property team was in "close contact" with Wilko's administrator about potentially snapping up some of its old stores. The German discount retailer was reportedly "very, very active" in its new store acquisition programme, he added, according to Retail Week. While Aldi also confirmed it could take over a number of stores. Giles Hurley, UK and Ireland chief executive of Aldi, said the business could rescue branches as part of its own expansion plans. The discounter is set to create thousands of jobs and open 500 stores in the coming years. Wilko collapsed on August 10 after trying and failing to find a backer for the company. Administrators at PwC announced on Tuesday (September 19) that 111 more stores will serve customers for the last time next week. Poundland has since snapped up up to 7){kind=link}
THE boss of a popular homeware giant has hinted that it could take over Wilko stores as part of plans to open up to 20 new shops.
Dunelm has said it expects to acquire several former Wilko locations.
Nick Wilkinson, chief executive at Dunelm, told The Times it has been looking at some Wilko locations that will soon “end up with a Dunlem above the door”.
It comes as the homeware giant revealed it has plans to open several new stores across the UK.
In its latest preliminary results on Wednesday, Dunelm said it has plans to open “five to 10” new stores each year in the next two years.