Wilko’s staff served their final customers today as the store closed for good at 4pm.
It comes after administrators PwC said they had ‘explored all opportunities to save the business’. Despite ‘extensive efforts’, no significant part of Wilko’s operations could be rescued, they added.
The branch, located in the Guildbourne Centre, joins stores in Burgess Hill and The Beacon in Eastbourne in closing today, while other Sussex branches shut on September 17.
However, there is hope another business could soon open in the Worthing store’s place, after it was confirmed that numerous parties had e xpressed an interest in the shop.
A spokesperson for The Guildbourne Centre said: “We would like to thank all the Wilko staff and customers for their support over many years. We are sorry to see you go.
“In the meantime, we can report positive interest in the store from five parties and so we are confident that the store w ill be trading successfully very soon. Watch this space.”
See pictures of staff on their final day below.
1. Wilko's staff serve customers for final time
Wilko's staff have served customers for the final time today (October 5) as the store shuts its doors for good. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
2. Wilko's staff serve customers for final time
Wilko's staff have served customers for the final time today (October 5) as the store shuts its doors for good. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
3. Wilko's staff serve customers for final time
Wilko's staff have served customers for the final time today (October 5) as the store shuts its doors for good. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
4. Wilko's staff serve customers for final time
Customers have written goodbye messages for the staff. Photo: Eddie Mitchell