Wilko Shutters its Lincoln Store, Leaving Staff and Customers ‘Heartbroken’ and ‘Gutted’
Lincoln Wilko, a mainstay retail outlet on Waterside South, closed its doors on Tuesday, October 3, after 22 years of operation. The closing comes as Wilko faces administration, with 400 of its shop locations across the country also being affected. The company, established in 1930, remains uncertain about the Lincoln store’s future, which finished its last day surrounded by empty shelves and farewell notes from customers.
Staff Member Statements
Lincoln Wilko’s staff, many of whom have served the company for several years, expressed their heartbreak and disappointment over the store’s closure. Jayne Doncaster, who has spent 34 years as a customer service assistant (CSA) for Lincoln Wilko, said, “There is only one word and that's heartbroken. We have had to move with the times over the years. These last six weeks have been hard. It's going to make a massive difference to people who come into the town.” A new role at Boots awaits Ms Doncaster at October end.
Assistant manager John Foley, a Wilko employee for the same duration, said, “I'm gutted the store is actually going. The team has been absolutely superb. Their positive attitude has been the heart of the store. We have had chats with team members and positive responses from other retailers around Lincoln. The job centre has been into the store and a lot of the team have been able to find other jobs.”
Reflecting similar sentiments, Wayne Nettleton, a CSA at Lincoln Wilko for almost 17 years, stated, “We are just gutted but we have been good at keeping up morale and have got to remain happy.”
The Emotional Toll for Staff Members
Liza Clare, team supervisor for Lincoln Wilko with a 27-year tenure at the company, confessed her surprise at the development, "I’m just gutted. I never thought that we would be in this position. I thought I had this job for life. I've loved my job here and the people I work with, the team are amazing, we are like a little family. I don't have anything lined up next, it will take a little bit of time to think about what I want to do.”
Taryna Huggett, a CSA for 25 years at Lincoln Wilko, remarked on the community’s reaction, saying, “I'm gutted and it's heartbreaking. A lot of people will miss it. People have brought chocolate and cards into the store."
Future of Wilko Stores
Some of Wilko’s former store locations, namely the one in Stamford, are set for a new lease of life under the ownership of Poundland and are expected to debut under a new name by Christmas 2023. The future course for the Lincoln store, however, remains unconfirmed.