Shoppers in Ely have been sharing their thoughts on the news that Wilko has gone into administration, putting 12,500 jobs at risk across the country.  

The budget retailer, which has over 400 stores across the UK, told staff on Thursday (August 10) that it has hired administrators from PWC to oversee the process.  

Retired local authority worker Pam Comer, 72, who was visiting the Ely store with her husband, said: “It’s sad. More empty shops. 

“I feel sorry for the people employed by Wilko.” 

Her husband, retired prison governor Barry Comer, said it was “another one to the wall”. 

The 75-year-old, who travelled to Ely from Wisbech, with his wife, said: “I’m a bit surprised really, it’s an established firm. 

“We always come into Wilko. 

“We like the gardening section. 

“I hope they can find a buyer for it.” 

Meanwhile, another shopper said he feared Wilko “could go the same way as Woolworths” as the budget retailer fell into administration. 

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Retired IT worker Kieran Moore, 64, said: “It could go the same way as Woolworths – hasn’t moved with the times. 

“But it [Wilko] serves a purpose. It is what it is. These are interesting times, but not in a good way.” 

Retired accountant Keith Fearn, of Ely, who was also visiting the store, said: “It will be a loss. 

“It’s got quite a variety of things. My cat particularly likes their food – I browse once a week.” 

The 79-year-old continued: “You think what’s the management doing? Have they sleepwalked into this? 

“They’ve got massive facilities across the country. I feel sorry for the staff.”