The Rise of Wilko

Born in the midlands, this was a success story that filled the gap on the High Street that those of us of a certain age remember as Woolworth.

Challenging Market Dynamics

The theorists are already in full flow, with the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and a myriad of other factors being blamed.

The High Street vs. Out-of-Town Dilemma

Well, Wilko managed to get itself classed as an “essential retailer” in the lockdowns, with queues stretching down the street, so I don’t buy that one.

The Automation Conundrum

The biggest factor that people are talking about in my area is the company switching to self-service tills.

Customer Experience and Human Connection

Automation may be fine for some customers in a hurry, but it seems the vast majority like to trade a few words with the cashier.

Cash vs. Card: A Shift Too Soon?

The management team at Wilko were badly advised if they thought a move towards a card-only society was imminent.

The Capitalist Cycle

Capitalism works at this level, new entrants come in and take the place of the incompetent and old.

Banks vs. Retail: A Double Standard?

If only this applied to the big banks, who ran to the taxpayer via Gordon Brown to nationalise their losses via bailouts they can’t get back.

A Nod to Wilko's Roots

Maybe Wilko would have been wiser to remember their origins and their first trading name over ninety years ago; “Wilkinson Cash Stores”.