The first 10 Wilko stores to start new lives as Poundlands are reopening this weekend, and three of them are in Greater Manchester.
We all know by now that it’s been a turbulent couple of weeks for Wilko after it entered administration earlier last month, but after it was sadly announced back on 11 September that all of the retailer’s outlets across the UK would be forced to close, leaving around 12,500 jobs at risk, a glimmer of hope was offered.
And that glimmer of hope was that several dozen stores had been saved.
Only, they wouldn’t be remaining under the Wilko name, as they’d be reopening as another popular bargain retailer instead, and that’s because Pepco Group – the company which owns Poundland in the UK – managed to strike a deal with Wilko administrators PwC to take control of up to 71 store leases.
With lease assignments expected to be completed in the coming weeks, according to Pepco, this meant that the some 71 stores would join Poundland’s existing 800-plus UK outlets before 2023 is out.
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Six Greater Manchester Wilko stores are set to reopen as Poundlands / Credit: Poundland | Wilko
Pepco Group published the full list of stores set for conversion earlier this month, and also confirmed it would be offering employment some of Wilko’s former employees – with it being good news for six Greater Manchester sites.
Altrincham, Bolton, Eccles, Sale, Leigh, and Stockport were confirmed to be the region’s towns set to get themselves a new Poundland, and Poundland added that it intends to convert the stores over to its brand “as soon as is practical”.
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It turns out that window of practicality has arrived this weekend for three of those confirmed sites.
Among the 10 former Wilko branches across the UK that are set to start a new chapter and begin lives as Poundlands this weekend are sites at The Peel Centre in Stockport, The Mall in Eccles, and on Lord Street in Leigh.
Poundland is convert the stores over to its brand “as soon as is practical” / Credit: Poundland
It’s expected that dates for the new round of Poundland conversions will be announced in due course, as will news from PwC about the other deals it has struck for the Wilko name to live on.
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You may remember that administrators had previously struck a deal for fellow discount chain B&M to buy 51 other Wilko stores, while another high street chain, The Range, had also confirmed a last-minute deal to buy Wilko’s brand last month.
The Range has bought Wilko’s website and intellectual property, so shoppers can expect to see Wilko own-brand items appear in The Range stores nationwide very soon.
Featured Image – Poundland
Shopping
Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Emily Sergeant -
29th September 2023 
