It's been a year since Wilko first went into administration, with hundreds of shops forced to close across UK high streets in 2023.

The 93-year-old retail chain tumbled into administration after it came under pressure from weak consumer spending and debts to suppliers, bringing an end to many of its stores in Cumbria. 

But what is the latest with the Wilko's that closed in north Cumbria, and what does the future hold for them?

The Carlisle Wilko's store, located in Market Hall in the city centre, closed its doors on Tuesday, October 3, with 35 members of staff sadly losing their jobs. 

While some of the Wilko stores across the UK were transformed into Poundland shops, or were turned into The Range after they completed a multimillion-pound deal to buy the brand, this wasn't the case in Carlisle.

Sadly the Market Hall Wilko remains empty and unused, with its future unknown.

Earlier this summer, traders at the Market Hall expressed hope in the Carlisle MP Julie Minns, to support them through challenging circumstances, as footfall at the historic site continues to fall in the aftermath of the Wilko closure. 

There was a far more positive outcome in Workington, as family business AA Carpets & Furnishing moved into the old Wilko premises at Ladies Walk, opening up their new showroom in March this year. 

The 30-year-old business, which originally only sold carpets and flooring, before expanding into selling furniture with great success, has been a welcome addition in central Workington. 

Meanwhile, the stores in Whitehaven and Cockermouth were also forced to close in September last year, just a month after the administration was first announced. 

The Wilko store in Cockermouth was one of the biggest chains within the town and took up a large commercial space within the Lowther Went Shopping Centre.

Similarly, in Whitehaven, customers and staff alike were devastated by the shop's sudden closure, as it was described as a 'huge loss' for the town centre. 

Unfortunately for both west Cumbrian towns, the Wilko premises remain empty, with their future also unknown at this moment in time. 

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