Popular high street brand Wilko has today fallen into administration, putting more than 400 stores across the UK at risk of closing.

Wilko Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Jackson last week revealed the company expected to enter insolvency after failing to secure a takeover to help the business with “mounting cash pressures”. 

The retailer filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court last Thursday (August 3) and today announced it had fallen into administration after failing to secure a rescue deal. 

There is a Wilko in Ammanford along with one in Carmarthen, a further 17 stores across south Wales and two in Pembrokeshire, all at risk of closing following today's announcement.

South Wales Guardian: More than 400 Wilko stores across the UK are at risk of closing their doors for good.More than 400 Wilko stores across the UK are at risk of closing their doors for good. (Image: PA)

Wilko stores in Wales at risk of closing

Wilko currently has 408 stores across the UK and this morning's news the company has entered administration puts around 12,000 jobs at risk.

The Ammanford store - Unit A, 3 Carregaman, Ammanford, SA18 3ED - is one of the Wilko sites at risk of closure.

While there is one store in Carmarthen - Friars Park, Carmarthen, SA31 3AN - which is at also at risk.

There are also 17 Wilko stores located across south Wales:

  • Aberdare (1 store)
  • Abergavenny (1)
  • Barry (1)
  • Bridgend (2)
  • Cardiff (3)
  • Chepstow (1)
  • Cwmbran (1)
  • Llanelli (1)
  • Mythr Tydfill (1)
  • Neath (1)
  • Newport (1)
  • Pontypool (1)
  • Port Talbot (1)
  • Swansea (1)

And a further two in Pembrokeshire:

  • Haverfordwest (1)
  • Pembroke Dock (1)

CEO speaks out as Wilko enters administration

Mr Jackson, Wilko CEO, said the firm had “a significant level of interest” but was “left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action” after being unable to close a deal in time.

In a letter, Mr Jackson said: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”