Crewe's Wilko store has shut its doors for the final time after 21 years in the town centre, with the company set to cease trading for good next week.

Wilko, The Market Shopping Centre, permanently closed at 5pm on Thursday 21 September, becoming one of 47 outlets to wind up that day.

Crewe's Wilko joined the likes of Holyhead, Shrewsbury, Wigan and Wolverhampton stores to close, with all of the budget chain's 408 shops to close by Friday 29 September.

Wilko Crewe staff cashing up for the final time on Thursday 21 September (Ryan Parker).

An open letter from Wilko CEO, Mark Jackson, reads: "One the past six months, Wilko has has been very open we have been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan.

"We needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

"We left no stone unturned then it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede with regret, we have no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

This September, a deal from HMV to save 300 Wilko stores fell through, meaning all 400 stores across the UK would close - putting 12,500 jobs at risk.

HMV's billionaire owner, Doug Putman, had tabled the rescue plans, but his bid was eventually pulled due to rising costs.

An open letter from Wilko CEO, Mark Jackson, stuck to the shutters of Crewe Wilko (Ryan Parker).

Following this announcement, B&M confirmed it would take on 51 Wilko stores, with Poundland taking on another 71.

All 122 of them will still close and be rebranded into the B&M and Poundland names.

The Range has also bought out the Wilko brand for £5 million, with the budget chain's online operations set to recommence after all stores close.

Mr Jackson added: "I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the directors and the Wilkinson family to thank all our our customers, suppliers, partners and our hardworking team member across our stores, logistics and support centre who remained loyal to Wilko.

"We have all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede time has run out.

Wilko joins TUI, Iceland Foods, Card Express and soon The Works (September 29), to close down in Crewe town centre this month (Ryan Parker).

"It has been an honour to have worked alongside you all as we fought to realise and to maximise the significant opportunities that existed to re-establish a profitable Wilko.

Wilko joins TUI, Iceland Foods, Card Express and soon The Works (September 23), to close down in Crewe town centre this month.

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