The Eccles Wilko store is to become Poundland, after the branch of the collapsed chain closes this week.

Poundland owner Pepco announced that the Church Street store would be one of 71 branches nationwide to be rebranded as the retail giant, after it was due to close Thursday (14 September).

The news comes after Wilko’s fell into administration in August, leaving more than 1,300 jobs at risk across the country.

Former Wilko’s staff are to be given priority for the store’s new jobs.

Poundland managing director Barry Williams said: “In the coming weeks we will work quickly with landlords so we can open these stores as Poundlands with the new ranges that have been pivotal to our recent development.

“And once that process is complete, we will ensure a significant number of the Wilko colleagues will join our Poundland team.

“We know how valued Wilko colleagues have been in scores of communities across the UK and we look forward to offering them opportunities to join our family.

“We recognise the last few weeks have been difficult for them and we will move quickly to secure new consents from landlords so we can offer them the certainty they deserve.

“The Wilko stores will accelerate our existing transformation programme, offering amazing value for consumers, providing growth opportunities for suppliers and supporting employment in the high streets, shopping centres and retail parks customers love.”

High street retailer B&M also bought 51 further Wilkos in a £13 million deal, with the stores set to be rebranded.

Altrincham and Sale are two other Greater Manchester stores set to be taken over by Poundland.

An opening date for the new Poundlands are yet to be announced.

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