Wilko Seaham staff say goodbye as store closes forever

Seaham's Wilko store in Byron Place is the latest store in the North East to close after the discount retailer announced it was heading into administration in August.

Staff who worked at the store used a chalkboard to write a sign saying their last goodbye to customers.

Read more: Wilko announce Darlington store to shut next week - and when

Wilko Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

It reads: "Thank you and good night from Wilko Seaham. Forever Red."

Shoppers walking by can now read the sign confirming the unit is now closed, as the shelves lay bare. 

The store in Seaham is just one of several that were announced to close in the North East, with Bishop Auckland and North Shields already closing their branches, while further closures in Newton Aycliffe, Redcar, Byker and Gateshead are also coming this week.

Wilko Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Wilko's store in Darlington on East Street is the next on the closure list and will shut its doors forever on Sunday, September 24.

Staff in Darlington have taped a heartfelt thank you note to the window of the store on East Street ahead of their closure date on Sunday, September 24.

The sign reads: "Thank you to all of our loyal customers. We will miss you. Love from Darlington 127 staff."

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator for Wilko has praised the resilience of workers as the closures commence.

Wilko Seaham. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

He said: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments - the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern - a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable.

Read next:

• The North East Wilko stores bought out by Poundland
• Wilko: What will happen with the 22 North East stores?

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“The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

"As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

"We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return to new employment for those impacted.

“We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”