Major retailer Poundland has confirmed it will be taking over the Wilko store in Nelson - and is encouraging staff made redundant to apply for jobs. 

Amid the collapse of Wilko and the news Poundland have snapped up 71 of the stores in the UK, it was revealed Nelson was one of the fortunate places.

Earlier this month, Wilko announced that stores in Nelson's Pendle Rise Shopping Centre was due to close yesterday, on Tuesday, 12 September, and the Burnley Charter Walk Shopping Centre branch will shut on Thursday, 14 September.

Following news of a partial takeover, Nelson was named as a store which Poundland will rebrand as their own and aim to open back up later this year.

A spokesman for Poundland said: “Today we obtained lease option agreements for up to 71 Wilko stores.

Lancashire Telegraph: Wilko announced last week it was looking to appoint administrators

“We promise we'll be working our tails off in the coming days to agree new terms with landlords so we can welcome as many of you as possible in those stores to our Poundland team.

“We know the last few weeks have been tough for you and we'll do all we can to give you the certainty you deserve - as quickly as we're able.

“Thank you for all you've done for Wilko.

“We're looking forward to being able to ask you to consider applying your talents and commitment as part of our Poundland team.”

The pound retailer encourages existing Wilko staff to apply to positions, giving them priority when rebranded shops open.

Wilko also has locations in Accrington and Blackburn, but these were not listed as ones set to be taken over by Poundland.

The rebranded stores are looking to open at the end of 2023.

Andy Bond, executive chairman of Pepco Group, said: “The agreement to assign a number of Wilko store leases to Pepco Group will help to bring Poundland’s value and wide offer to even more customers in the UK.

“It will be pleasing to offer employment to a number of Wilko’s colleagues - who will benefit from being part of a successful and fast-growing pan-European variety discount group.

“Pepco Group is well placed for future success across Europe, supported by its market-leading customer proposition, strong balance sheet and impressive cash flow.

“The group’s strategy to become a bigger, better, cheaper and simpler business will enable it to continue to provide families on a budget with great range, value and convenience for many years to come.”