The budget retailer confirmed it is on the brink of collapse, with more than 12,000 jobs at risk.
It is expected to enter insolvency after failing to secure a takeover to help the business with “mounting cash pressures”.
The south east London stores at risk are in Greenwich, Bromley, Bexleyheath, Thamesmead, Orpington, Lewisham, and Penge.
Wilko, which has 400 stores in the UK, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court on Thursday.
Earlier this year the company hired advisers from PwC in a bid to find to a buyer in order to secure fresh funding to keep the firm trading.
Last year, the retailer agreed a deal to borrow £40 million from restructuring specialist Hilco after posting significant losses.
The company said it had “no choice” but to file for the potential insolvency but will continue a possible rescue takeover.
Here’s what News Shopper readers said about the potential closures:
Kazzy Sykes said: “Another good shop gone.”
Angela Taylor said: “Such a shame.”
Maureen King said: “Will miss Wilko nothing left on the high street soon very sad.”
Lynn Mayell said: “Wow, scary, if Wilko can’t survive!”
Carol Wenden said: “Think it will be sad to see another high street shop go.”
Peter Smith said: “Oh no, terrible breaking news that Wilko are collapsing.”
Julie Moorby said: “No point going out. Shame they are closing.”
Paul Smallwood said: “I like Wilko’s”
Pat Edge-Bailey said: “Thamesmead and Bexleyheath on the list no wonder there’s no stock.”
Susan Hussey said: “So sad,and all those poor peoples jobs.”
Tim Barnes said: “Shocked, another great shop lost.”
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/23709414.south-east-london-shoppers-react-wilko-administration/
