![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/23\/590x\/secondary\/WILKO-THE-RANGE-4958833.jpg?r=1694679851246\")
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The Range has agreed to buy Wilko’s\u00a0brand, website and intellectual property, administrators for the collapsed retailer have announced.<\/p>\n
PwC, which was hired to oversee Wilko’s insolvency last month, said it expects online operations to recommence once Wilko’s store closure programme concludes in early October.<\/p>\n
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will also see 36 workers from Wilko’s digital team transfer over to The Range.<\/p>\n
Jane Steer, joint administrator, said: “Since our appointment, the feedback from customers and wider stakeholders during this challenging period has reinforced the fact that Wilko remains a much-loved\u00a0and trusted brand within the UK.<\/p>\n
“This sale to The Range will ensure that the\u00a0Wilko\u00a0name lives on under their ownership and we wish The Range every success.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Full list of 71 Wilko stores soon to be taken over by Poundland<\/strong><\/p>\n Alex Simpkin, chief executive officer of The Range said: “This acquisition comes at a time when consumers are more than ever wanting to shop with confidence for value and quality. We are delighted to have acquired this brand and we will ensure that the\u00a0Wilko\u00a0brand will continue to deliver for the UK consumer, both in-store and on-line.<\/p>\n “I am also delighted that we were able to retain the\u00a0Wilko\u00a0digital trading team. The team are very skilled and experienced, and it means a lot to us to ensure that we could save as many ‘fellow’ retail positions as possible.”<\/p>\n Chris Dawson, founder and chairman of The Range added: “These are exciting times for The Range Group, I am delighted that\u00a0Wilko\u00a0will join our family of companies.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n “We will drive it forward as fast as we can as we expand the entire business from our continuing store opening programme to our new 1.2 million square foot distribution centre that is being constructed in the South of England.”<\/p>\n Wilko fell into administration in August\u00a0and started closing shops down on Tuesday following a rescue deal by the owner of HMV\u00a0fell through.\u00a0<\/p>\n Several discount retailers, such as\u00a0B&M and Poundland, have been purchasing leases from Wilko in recent weeks to save select stores, which will undergo rebranding.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Pepco group, which owns Poundland, has agreed to purchase 71 stores and the\u00a0full list of locations\u00a0has now been announced. The group\u00a0have said that Wilko staff would have priority when applying for new jobs at the shops.\u00a0<\/p>\n The lease assignments are expected to conclude in early autumn and will see the stores form part of Poundland’s extensive UK network comprising over 800 locations.<\/p>\n B&M signed a \u00a313million deal to buy up to 51 Wilko stores, however, these locations are yet to be announced.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/23\/590x\/secondary\/WILKO-ONLINE-THE-RANGE-4958870.jpg?r=1694679851372\")
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