Wilkinson’s value-for-money principles have resulted in one of the UK’s most successful chains of hardware and convenience stores, with more than six million sq ft of trading space and more than four million people visiting a Wilkinson store every week.
Since its formation the company has expanded its range to cover clothing, confectionary, toiletries, perfumes, DVDs and toys, with many of its offerings under its own Wilko brand name.
It has a successful online operation and has launched Wilkinson Asia which is rolling out Wilkinson products and values in the Far East from its Hong Kong headquarters.
The firm’s founder, JK Wilkinson died in 1997, and his son Tony Wilkinson, now 74, has retired. The business is run by the grand-daughters of its founder, Karin Swann and Lisa Wilkinson.
The company and its employees put a big emphasis on raising money for charity, and they have raised more than £1.6 million for the blood cancer charity, Anthony Nolan Trust.
The company has its headquarters and a distribution centre in Manton Wood, Nottinghamshire and has a second distribution centre in Magor, South Wales.
