Nostalgic photos show glory days of Wilko stores in Norfolk

The firm, previously known as Wilkinson, collapsed into administration on August 10, leaving more than 12,500 jobs at risk across the country.

There are now fears that stores could close as soon as next week after administrators failed to find a buyer for the whole business. 

The first Wilkinson store opened in Leicester in 1930 as Wilkinson Cash Stores, founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson and his fiancee Mary Cooper. 

READ MORE: What date will House of Fraser re-open in Norwich?

The family-run business was initially a hardware store, but as the company grew so did the range of products.

Today, there are more than 400 stores in the UK, selling a variety of homeware and household goods. 

But the future is uncertain for stores in Norwich, Thetford, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and King’s Lynn. 

Here we take a look at how the retailer’s Norfolk stores have changed over the years.

Rodney the Dragon with Charlie Goodbody, four, of Litcham, at the opening of the Wilkinson store in the new Dereham shopping development (2005) (Image: Bill Smith)

Opening of the Wilkinson store in the new Dereham shopping development (2005) (Image: Bill Smith)

Opening of the Wilkinson store in the new Dereham shopping development (2005) (Image: Bill Smith)

Panto stars from the Pavillion theatre production of Aladdin open the new store (2008) (Image: Nick Butcher)

Panto stars Helen McDermott (middle) Shani Cantor (top) and Lisa Hunter attend the opening of the new Wilkinson store in Gorleston (2008) (Image: Nick Butcher)

Paul Testo, centre, with Keith Yandall, right, and Scott Carmichael-Drage at the opening of the Wilkinson store in the new Dereham shopping development (2005) (Image: Bill Smith)