I'm in the process of buying a house, and when it goes through I will have loads of work to do to it before I can move in (the 70s have got a lot to answer for in terms of DIY, I can tell you). Also, because I've been sharing a house for the last few years, I'm, going to need to buy tons of household goods.
I've been driving around loads of retail parks and scouring loads of internet sites and my little notebook of items to be purchased has had me weeping at the thought of my bank balance.
then my dad (a veteran bargain hunter and ex building trade worker who knows the difference between quality products and tat) suggested I try Wilko. I laughed. Me at Wilko? But I am Habitat woman incarnate! You wouldn't catch me in a crap place like that!
But a bit of realism later, I gave in and agreed to accompany him and have my mind changed (or not, as I insisted). And how glad I am I did. What a bloody marvellous shop!
The Wilko in my town (Stoke-on-Trent) has recently changed its name to Wilkinson’s and moved into massive 2 storey premises. I don't think I've ever seen so much household stuff in my life, and the quality and prices has amazed me. There isn't time to go into everything I've purchased, so I'll give a few examples to give a general feel of the place:
Kitchen Items:
Everything from knives and forks to tea towels to shelving and storage. All good quality stuff, some big names, and superb prices. I've bought stylish hard-wearing mugs and plates at 99p a time, a superb set of chef's knives for under a tenner and great bundles of linens for mere pence. The stuff is easily comparable with Bhs and similar stores and is much better value.
Paint:
Now I had all my paint sorted and ready to buy. Trouble was, it was all Crown and Dulux and was totting up to a fortune. Enter Wilkinson’s own paint range. I've been able to get almost identical colours to those I wanted at literally half the price of the big brands. I've not used them yet, but unbeknown to me my dad's been using this paint for years and it's as good as the best in his opinion. Wilkinson’s also sell big name paint and the prices are cheaper than the same in B&Q and Homebase.
Prints:
I love paintings, and over the years have bought loads of framed prints of famous paintings from Art Shops, paying as much as £100 per time. At Wilko I got a large Klimt in a gorgeous gold frame for £4.99 and a huge Van Gogh in a plain and gorgeous natural wood frame for £12.99. Unbelievable. There are loads of prints to choose from and they are well framed with quality materials.
Toiletries:
Wilkinson’s have a huge toiletries section where they sell both brand names and lesser knowns all at a fraction of what you'd pay in Boots, even when you take advantage points into account. They also sell medicines much cheaper than Boots too.
Blinds:
Last week I got a natural wood Venetian blind for £25. Again it's quality stuff and I saw an identical one in a local curtain shop for £40. Tomorrow I'm going back to buy some more.
This is just a fraction of what Wilkinson’s sells. Almost everything is quality stuff at extremely reasonable prices and there's plenty of choice. Of course there is some tat, but isn't there everywhere? As long as you shop carefully you won't go wrong.
The staff are friendly and helpful and when I was there all checkouts were in operation so purchasing didn't take long even on a busy evening.
I reckon I can part-furnish my home from Wilko at half the cost of other stores, and with what I save I can have a few pieces from a more 'upmarket' place to complete the look.
I'm sorry I ever doubted this fantastic store and I can't wait to get back in there tomorrow and buy some more!
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Enjoyed that Sandra and thanks for your comment on mine, meant a lot...Thanks....
GraingerN 19.10.2001 17:45
Whenever my sister and I hit the town for a shopping spree it's mandatory that we visit Wilko's, they've got different goodies in store every week, it's brilliant fun rummaging in the sales and spotting the new additions to the shelves. Good luck with the move and decorating! Nichola :-)
adam.owen 18.10.2001 21:26
I'm a fan of Wilco too. Good cheap prices! I hate the long queues at our local one though. Good op.
From Adam
Advantages: It sells everything, and at very reasonable prices. Disadvantages: In my local store the Security Guard is of undefined gender, and scares me ;)
Fuschia 30.03.2001 ·
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Review of Wilkinson (Shop)
Oct 18th, 2001
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