SHOPPERS in Bradford have been left feeling disappointed a major retailer with a city centre branch announced its uncertain future.

Popular high street brand Wilko, which has a store in Rawson Quarter in Bradford city centre, fell into administration on Thursday, August 10.

It comes after Wilko failed to secure a rescue deal, placing more than 400 stores and 12,500 jobs across the UK at risk.

The retailer filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court on Thursday, August 3, and seven days later announced it had fallen into administration.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shopper Sabiha Malik outside Wilko on Rawson Quarter, BradfordShopper Sabiha Malik outside Wilko on Rawson Quarter, Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Pwc, hired to take over the administration process for the chain, said Wilko will initially continue to trade all stores without any immediate redundancies as discussions with interested parties continue.

However, Pwc added if a buyer for some or all of the group is not found, "it is likely that store closures and redundancies will follow".

Shoppers visiting the Rawson Quarter Wilko store say they enjoy using it and warned it would be a blow to Bradford city centre if it shuts.

In November 2022, Wilko shut its Shipley branch on Kirkgate.

Sabiha Malik, of Bradford, said: “It’s a very nice shop.

“I love this one [Rawson Square]. I often come here when I have the time.

“Everyone seems to have a shortage of money, which may be the reason.”

Sam Gregory, of Bradford, said: “What a shame. I used to get a few bits from here as I work nearby.

“It will be another empty shop at the top of town. It’s just dire in town.

“I thought something was happening at Wilko’s as there has been less and less on the shelves there. The shelves used to be full of everything.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Wilko store in BradfordThe Wilko store in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)

Jane Fleming, of Bradford, said: “It’s sad. I could get everything I needed from there. I get dog food from there and I use the shop quite often.

“It seemed to have what you wanted, when you wanted it.”

Sam Allen, of Wibsey, also expressed her disappointment.

She added: “I’m always in there. I get cat food from there. It’s the nearest shop for me to get cat food.

“I’m disappointed that it’s going.”

Susie McCarter, of Bradford, said: “Everything up the top of town seems to be shutting.

“We use Wilko often. It’s the nearest shop. We’re in there every week when we come into Bradford.

“It’s totally different at the top of town.”