HALESOWEN'S Wilkos is set to close its doors for the last time today and "will be sorely missed" by shoppers.
Staff at the store on Hagley Street have asked people to pop in to say goodbye and snap up some last bargains on its last day of trading ever today (Tuesday September 26).
A worker left a post on Halesowen Times Take Two facebook page saying: "Please pop in for a last minute bargain today, and the most important to say goodbye, lots of love from us all at Wilko Halesowen xxx"
People left their thoughts on the Halesowen News's facebook page and shared their sadness at the loss of the town store and its loyal staff - many who have worked there for years.
Tim Haskey said: "Another nail in the town’s coffin.
"The question is, what becomes of that huge floor space? Sad news for the loyal staff. Good luck in finding something new."
Elizabeth Chapman said: "Sorry for staff some been there for years good luck to them."
Charlotte Hughes said: "Loved the shop and the staff. Also appreciated they were dog friendly making certain shopping trips easier for me. Will be sorely missed."
Louise Hopkins said: "So sad if people didn't shop online it wouldn't of happened."
Katie Taylor said: "Really sad. Many hours spent mooching round there."
Halesowen Police popped into the store yesterday and said on twitter: "Wishing all our friends at Wilko the very best with the future as they prepare for their final day of trading @LoveWilko #staypositive"
Wilko is closing 37 stores today - with its final shops set to shut by the end of next week.
The Wilko brand will not disappear entirely as The Range has agreed to buy the brand, website and intellectual property, which means it can now sell Wilko products within its own stores.
Wilko collapsed into administration last month, putting more than 400 stores and 12,500 jobs at risk.
Administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) were unable to find a buyer for the whole business, meaning all stores are closing.
B&M has agreed to buy up to 51 stores and Poundland has announced it will take on the leases of up to 71 sites. Poundland has already confirmed its stores will be rebranded as Poundland, and B&M is also expected to convert the shops it is buying.
B&M has not confirmed which Wilko shops it has bought.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here