SHOPPERS in Andover have reacted with sadness to the prospect that the town’s Wilko store could close.
The retailer announced on Thursday, August 10, that it has appointed administrators after failing to secure a rescue deal.
Over 12,000 jobs across Wilko’s 400 stores, including the shop Bridge Street, in Andover, have been put at risk.
Previously, Wilko filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court.
People in Andover were shocked by the news and fearful of the ramifications for the high street, when the Advertiser visited the town centre on August 10.
Andover resident Kate Joseph said she’s sad to see it go but would like to see the area used for more entertainment and leisure things, as it’s a prime location with it being next to the river.
One shopper said: "It is a real shame to see anything close on the high street, it's a shame because there's lots of Wilkos scattered about the place."
Shopper Hayley Hellyer said: "It’s a shame to see another shop on the high street closing but it’s no surprise because when you go in there it’s really not very busy, but I'm sad to see the high street getting smaller and smaller."
READ MORE: Wilko collapses into administration as 12,000 jobs at risk
In an open letter, chief executive Mark 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.”
However, the closure has also prompted fears for the state of the High Street and its future.
Shopper Caroline Booth said: "It’s such a shame to see another shop on the high street close. It's not just about the high street or the store, but the people in it."
She called on people in Andover to give a little bit of love back to the high street and stop shopping online.
"Help your fellow man," she said.
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