It was among the last to close but on Sunday the doors of the Wilko store at The Cloisters, Ely, closed for the final time.
Despite redundancies and for some an uncertain future, staff – both past and present – gathered to say a heartfelt goodbye.
The retailer, which offered a diverse range of household, DIY and homeware goods, the latest victim of the savage decimation of the nation’s High Streets.
Wilko staff past outside Wilko in Ely at 4pm on Sunday as the doors closed for the last time. PHOTO: Walter Gunston
Wilko had enjoyed a presence on the UK high street for more than 90 years.
Wilko staff past and present outside Wilko in Ely at 4pm on Sunday as the doors closed for the last time. PHOTO: Walter Gunston
Walter Gunston, who shared his photos of the occasion with CambsNews, said: “Sadly today at 4pm the Wilko store in Ely closed its doors for the last time.
Wilko staff past outside Wilko in Ely at 4pm on Sunday as the doors closed for the last time. PHOTO: Walter Gunston
“I was able to take a selection of pictures/videos to mark this sad but historic occasion.
“A big thank you to all staff past and present who have served us all over the years, and hope that they can secure a new job soon.”
Wilko staff past and present outside Wilko in Ely at 4pm on Sunday as the doors closed for the last time. PHOTO: Walter Gunston
The family-owned company had struggled in recent years and despite borrowing large sums to restructure the business, the company – with 400 stores nationwide – entered administration in August.
