Wilko: Shoppers say final goodbyes as first Swindon Wilko closes

Following the announcement that all Wilko stores will be closing this month, Wilko in Greenbridge Retail Park has become the first in Swindon to go.

The store was a sorry sight, with most of the shelves empty.

Many shoppers said they had not realised that the store was closing today, and the overall sentiment was clear – that Wilko is irreplaceable.

Shoppers turned up to find rows and rows of empty shelves. (Image: Newsquest)

“I come here regularly because I live nearby so it’s quite handy,” said Teresa Richards.

“I was so pleased when this Wilko first opened up here because I don’t really go into town very often, so I will miss it.

“I will still come to Greenbridge, but it won’t be the same,” she added.

Teresa isn’t the only one who will miss Wilko when it’s gone, as the Swindon local pointed out that her dog will be the most distraught in the family.

“My dog’s favourite treats are ones you can only get in Wilko which is a bit of a nuisance, but especially now that it’s closing.

“I will probably end up doing a bit more shopping in Home Bargains now instead, but there are certain things that you can only get here, so it just won’t be the same.”

Other shoppers have said the loss of Wilko is the modern-day equivalent to Woolworths, which closed across the UK in early 2009.

“It’s sad that they couldn’t save it and we have to say goodbye to another company,” said one customer, who did not wish to be named.

“To be honest, one of the main reasons that I come to Greenbridge is to come here.”

80 per cent off was applied to all remaining products, in a last effort to clear the store. (Image: Newsquest)

Not all customers saying goodbye to the store were Swindon locals however, as Paula from Faringdon said she had specifically travelled to Swindon to buy cleaning products from the Wilko store.

“I didn’t actually realise that today was the last day though,” said Paula.

“I will miss shops like this definitely. In Faringdon there’s a Home Bargains and that helps keep the prices down, but it’s not the same as Wilko, nothing will ever replace it.”

Staff members at Wilko in Greenbridge were not willing to comment on the closure, however many customers have shared their well wishes for the workers.

“I know one of them is trying for a job at Sainsburys, but it’s just such as shame that it has come to this. I really thought they were going to get saved,” Ms Richards added.

Swindon’s other Wilko store in the town centre will be closing on Thursday.