![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/im-a-shopping-expert-here-is-why-wilko-failed-and-a-rival-budget-chain-provided-the-killer-blow/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/newspress-collage-23412965-1691599445444.jpg&description=A SHOPPING expert has revealed why Wilko failed and how a rival budget chain provided the killer blow. The high street giant filed for a notice of intent to appoint administrators last week - putting all 400 of its stores at risk. 1 A shopping expert has revealed why Wilko failed Credit: Alamy Despite being a shopper-favourite since the first store opened in Leicester in 1930, like many other retailers, Wilko is said to have since seen a big drop in footfall over the last few years. It comes as customers have been cutting back on spending due to soaring inflation. High energy costs and a shift towards shopping online after the pandemic have also taken a toll. And now a consumer behaviour and retail expert has revealed why the store failed - potentially leaving around 12,000 people jobless. Dr Amna Khan said Wilko has failed to stay relevant as their rivals, like B&M and Home Bargains, are expanding. She told MailOnline: "When consumers think discount, they think B&M, Home Bargains, or even the middle isle on their Aldi shop. "One thing about Wilko is there hasn't been an online push. "There are many valuables in having in-store products, but there are too many frictions stopping the consumer - while other competitors have made it friction-less." Dr Khan added that the cost of living pressures on Brits is also part-responsible. She said: "[Wilko] struggles with some of the locations it's in, you have to make a destination shop. "Other companies such as Poundland are aggressively starting to grow in many different formats. "With inflationary pressures it's becoming increasingly difficult for them to manage costs and when you have products that aren't everyday consumables such as food, consumers can quite easily cut them, they can go without." It comes as the ailing retailer has stopped processing online deliveries meaning customers can no longer order items to their homes. Wilko recently extended its home delivery contract with GXO until June 2026. But shoppers are no){kind=link}
A SHOPPING expert has revealed why Wilko failed and how a rival budget chain provided the killer blow.
The high street giant filed for a notice of intent to appoint administrators last week – putting all 400 of its stores at risk.
Despite being a shopper-favourite since the first store opened in Leicester in 1930, like many other retailers, Wilko is said to have since seen a big drop in footfall over the last few years.
It comes as customers have been cutting back on spending due to soaring inflation.
High energy costs and a shift towards shopping online after the pandemic have also taken a toll.