WILKO has announced it will be returning to its former store in Poole, in a wave of revived sites.

The retailer broke the news on social media that it will be opening its doors again in The Dolphin Poole, just four months after closing.

The Poole site officially closed on October 3, 2023, days before the last remaining Wilko stores shut on October 8.

Earlier last year, Wilko shut hundreds of UK shops after falling into administration and facing hefty debts from weak consumer spending.

Dorset’s first shock closure came in February 2022, when the Bournemouth site shut for good, and is yet to be replaced.

READ MORE: Old Wilko unit still empty despite promises of new gym

Wilko stores also closed on Wimborne Road in Winton, Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre and Victoria Road in Ferndown, alongside Bournemouth and Poole.

Almost all of Wilko’s 12,500 workers were made redundant as a result.

However, the brand has said it will be prioritising ex-Wilko staff in its announcement post.

It said: “Hello, Poole!

“We can’t wait to see you again, Dorset! We’ll be back in the Dolphin Centre soon.

“We’re looking for a talented team and we’ll be prioritising any ex-Wilko staff who apply for jobs.

“Have a look at our vacancies here 👉 http://therange.co.uk/careers.”

Wilko announced on its website work will begin soon at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, however, a launch date is yet to be released.

John Grinnell, centre manager of The Dolphin Poole, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Wilko back to The Dolphin Poole, enhancing the centre’s offering to the whole community.

“Wilko will prioritise the re-hiring of former staff who apply for jobs, and we are encouraged that this will support members of the team affected by the original closure of the store at the end of 2023.

“We know that visitors will be looking forward to Wilko returning to The Dolphin Poole and we will be sharing further details about the store once they are available.”

Up to 71 stores were set to become Poundland shops and up to 51 sites to reopen under B&M.

However, the home and garden retailer announced in November last year three locations would reopen as ‘concept stores’.