Discount retailer Wilkinson is fitting out the former Woolworth store in Northbrook Street for a grand opening in late July/early August - newbury.net can reveal.
The move ends speculation that discount clothier Primark was lined up to take on the large Woollies store, which went into administration and closed at the end of 2008.
Wilkinson focuses on decorating, tools and household cleaning items, but also sells clothing, pet products, DVDs and electrical goods, toys and games, and furniture.
The Leicester-based chain operates 322 stores across the UK, with the nearest store in Basingstoke. Wilkinson says it wants to grow to 500 stores in the next three years by capitalising on the consumer trend for trading down from premium brands.
The arrival of Wilkinson adds competition for a host of Newbury retailers, from Barry Forkin to Robert Dyas, and from Cargo to Millets.
Well, I guess they've got one over on Newbury then. Apart from the fact that you can park for free on Saturday in Newbury. Oh, and there is the small matter of having to drive to Didcot to get your free parking. But other than that, they've got us!
Such snobbery! What retailer is there that supplies similar items to Wilkinson would you prefer?
This is the sort of shop one would expect in somewhere like Scunthorpe or Swansea, not in a supposedly 'affluent' ex-market town.
Wilkinsons are for people who don't have cars and can't get to the B&Qs at retail parks, and generally those without cars are the poor and idle.
I'd like to see Borders swap from the retail park. Otherwise a decent musical instrument shop, Furniture Village, or children's clothing superstore would present less of a chav magnet.
Wilkinsons are for people who don't have cars and can't get to the B&Qs at retail parks
Wilkinsons is nothing like B&Q. And I really don't see any need for the snobby comments. It is a general household goods store, really not unlike Woolworths in its heyday, selling everyday things we all need from time to time. Cleaning products, toiletries, pet supplies, stationery, kitchenware, bathroom accessories, hardware, electrical accessories (bulbs, flex, batteries, fittings etc), gardening supplies. Seasonal items like Christmas decorations. All at competitive prices and good special offers.
Yes and with a much wider range. I go to Basingstoke for business once a month or so; wandering round seeing what bits they have on offer - even do 'home brewing' equipment! Managed to get a picnic basket last year - with real china crockery and metal cutlery - really looks the part and only £12, Of course, didn't tell other half where it came from so got the usual ear bashing for spending a lot of money - can't win! Anyway, I'd say a result for Newbury.
For those who get a little bit too sniffy about Wilkinson, saying it's the lower end of the market.... there's an element of truth in it, but like Lidl and Aldi they do ATTRACT people to shop. People are watching their pennies and whether there's an embarrassment about being seen shopping there by your workmates or friends, EVERYONE loves a bargain.....
Hopefully good for the town while we have all the disruption .....and while the high end users (whose idea of 'shopping' is coming into a town and having a latte) avoid the place.......
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