Wilko customers are ‘gutted’ as the chain announces potentially devastating news

Wilko shoppers ‘gutted’ as chain announces news that leaves them ‘heartbroken’ (Image: Getty) Beloved high-street retail chain Wilko has announced it has “filled a notice of intention” to appoint administrators when it failed to find enough emergency investment. The sad news puts some 12,000 jobs at risk for those who work for the homeware and household goods chain, reported the BBC . Wilko customers are in uproar over the news, devastated to hear about the potential loss of the high-street staple. Shoppers have taken to Twitter in support of the high-street favourite, using the #savewilko. The chain even tweeted: “You really are making us blush with all this love.” @lisamare2015 tweeted: “My daughter works for Wilko and her shop they are a real family team they are heartbroken with everything that’s going on but they are trying to keep the good vibes going #savewilko.” Wilko has more than 400 stores across the UK (Image: Getty) @xoxorobert_xoxo tweeted: “We Love you Wilko. I spent £30.15 in one of my Local Stores Today. Hopefully that’ll help you guys a bit more #SaveWilko.” @pipblackbis added: “I love Wilkos, my home was made from things from you. Home decor, paints and w/paper, the tools. Kitchen equipment , bathroom, life style etc ,garden, BBQ etc etc, my Xmas decs. Seriously you cannot leave us . Please don’t go.” @MadisonStargate showed her support: “Went shopping in your Leeds city centre store today, determined I will spend as much as I can with you. The customer service from the older chap by the self service tills was outstanding. A credit to you and himself.” Shoppers are devastated by the news and have taken to Twitter with #savewilko (Image: Getty) @AyUpMaDuck said: “I popped to my local one today (I worked there till 2020) and realised how much I get from there. I’ll be gutted if it closes, it’s a lifeline for so many people in our community.” CEO Mark Jackson made a statement on Thursday August 3 regarding the difficult decision to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators. According to the boss, hope is not lost for Wilko. He told Express.co.uk: “While we can confirm we’ve had a significant level of interest, including indicative offers that we believe would meet all our financial criteria to recapitalise the business, at present, we don’t today have an offer that provides the necessary liquidity in the time we have available, given the mounting cash pressures we’re faced with. “Unfortunately, with this in mind, today we’re having to take the difficult decision to file an NOI.” “We’ll continue to progress discussions with interested parties with the aim of completing a transaction which preserves the business and will encourage those interested parties we’re in discussions with to move as fast as possible. “We continue to believe that our robust turnaround plan, with significant re-stabilisation cost savings in progress, will deliver a profitable wilko and maximise the significant opportunities that we know exist. “We’re a £1.2bn turnover business with strong presence on UK high streets through our 400 stores, online at wilko.com and through our great value wilko own brand products, serving local communities with their everyday household and garden needs for over 90 years.”