Wilko Newsletter

Wilko is a well-known British retailer founded in 1930 by James Kemsey Wilkinson in Leicester, originally trading as Wilkinson Hardware Stores. Over the decades it grew into a nationwide chain, rebranding as Wilko from 2012 onwards, offering an extensive range of home, garden, DIY, and lifestyle products at competitive everyday prices.

Home and Garden Products for Every Project

From paint and power-tool accessories to plant pots and patio furniture, Wilko stocked everything needed to tackle a home improvement project or refresh an outdoor space. The range was designed to suit all budgets, making it easy to work through a to-do list without overspending. Seasonal collections kept the product offer fresh throughout the year, covering everything from spring gardening to winter decorating.

DIY Made Simple

Wilko built its reputation on making DIY accessible to everyone. Whether the task was laying flat-pack flooring, fixing a leaking tap, or redecorating a room, the catalogue and stores provided the tools, fixings, and finishing materials to get the job done. Clear product ranges and affordable price points meant customers could plan and complete projects with confidence.

Lifestyle, Storage, and Everyday Essentials

Beyond the workshop, Wilko offered a broad selection of kitchen essentials, cleaning supplies, storage solutions, and soft furnishings. The range helped customers personalise their homes with practical yet stylish touches, making Wilko a regular destination for everyday household shopping as well as bigger seasonal projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Wilko founded?

Wilko traces its origins to 1930, when James Kemsey Wilkinson opened the first Wilkinson Hardware Stores outlet on Charnwood Street in Leicester. The business grew steadily over the following decades and rebranded as Wilko in 2012.

What types of products did Wilko sell?

Wilko offered a wide variety of products across home improvement, garden care, DIY tools and fixings, cleaning supplies, storage, kitchenware, and seasonal home decor. The range was designed to be practical and affordable for everyday households.

Did Wilko have stores across the UK?

Yes. From its origins as a single Leicester store, Wilko expanded to hundreds of retail locations across England, Wales, and Scotland, making it one of the UK's most recognisable high-street and retail-park chains.

Was Wilko suitable for garden projects?

Wilko carried a solid range of garden products including compost, planters, seeds, hand tools, and outdoor furniture. The seasonal garden range made it a popular destination in spring and summer for both keen gardeners and those simply tidying an outdoor space.

How did Wilko keep its prices affordable?

Wilko operated on a value-led model, sourcing own-brand and competitively priced products across all categories. This approach allowed customers to buy quality everyday essentials and home improvement materials without paying premium prices.

Can I still order from this Wilko catalogue?

This listing is from our brochure archive and is no longer available to order. It is preserved here for reference. We recommend checking current home and garden retailers for similar products.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and is no longer available to order. It is kept here for reference purposes only.