Paul Stewart, Group Digital Product Manager at Wilko, talks busy eight months as retailer emerges from collapse
Paul Stewart, Group Digital Product Manager at Wilko, has taken to social media to discuss the retailer’s relaunch after it entered into administration.
With 400 stores across the UK, 93 year old Wilko became well known for its affordable everyday items. But in 2023, it collapsed into administration.
There is life in the old dog yet, however, with its brand, website and intellectual property being bought by The Range. Plans are afoot to open hundreds of new outlets.
In a LinkedIn post, Stewart said: “When Wilko went into administration, I and the other team members who were retained felt a huge responsibility to ensure the many team members who were impacted and ex-colleagues who gave so much over the years would see their work was not wasted.”
“We achieved the relaunch within 25 days of purchase through our previous dropship range.”
This was closely followed by:
- Integration of home delivery fulfilment channels, including Wilko branded products by mid-November
- Onboarding of seven payment providers including BNPL and express payment options
- SAP Commerce major upgrade to 2211 version
- Development and launch of in-store browser and chip and PIN payment (five stores with more to come)
- Recruited a new Product, UX and CRO team
- Relaunch of Click & Collect to over 200 pick-up locations
Stewart concluded: “Fair to say, it's been a busy eight months! Thanks to all involved at wilko, The Range and our partners.”
Virtualstock
Last month, we reported that The Range had chosen Virtualstock as its technology partner to enhance its capability to sell more products online through dropshipping.
The wilko.com website was already utilising the Virtualstock platform. Now both brands will tap the company’s cloud-based SaaS platform.
According to a press release: “This new collaboration empowers both retailers to attain more scalable, profitable growth through dropship. Utilising a one-to-many connection, the retailers can quickly and easily grow their online product range and categories with their trusted dropship suppliers.”
“Leveraging a comprehensive suite of modules, the platform enables both retailers to provide more choice to customers, facilitates smoother transactions and ensures an informed customer journey.”
It adds: “The rapid expansion and reopening of high street stores by The Range and Wilko demonstrate the importance of blending offline and online shopping for sustained retail success.”
“The innovative technology collaboration with Virtualstock further emphasises the strategic importance of embracing both retail channels.”
Ed Bradley, CEO and Founder at Virtualstock, said: “Providing customers with a broader range of choices online is a key factor in maintaining foot traffic to physical stores.”
“Forward thinking retailers, such as The Range, recognise the evolving role of bricks and mortar stores and are prepared to adapt their models to fuel growth in 2024 and beyond.”
“Through our partnership, The Range is ushering in a new era of success in a fast changing digital market.”
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