Weymouth's Wilko store is to close by early October, it has been confirmed, as talks for a rescue deal have fallen through. 

The family-run business, which went into administration last month, will close all 400 shops across the country by mid-October, including all in Dorset. 

The owner of HMV, Doug Putman, had been in talks to keep 300 Wilko shops open but this bid has failed, meaning it is “likely” 12,500 staff will be made redundant. 

It also means the store in Westham Road, Weymouth will close for good. Others in Dorset are in the BCP area - in Wimborne Road, Winton, Victoria Road, Ferndown, in The Dolphin, Poole and in Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre in Christchurch Road. 

Dorset Echo: Wilko in FerndownWilko in Ferndown

A closing date is not yet known, but it is likely to have an impact on the high streets they currently do occupy. 

Wilko in Richmond Gardens shopping centre, Bournemouth town centre closed in February 2022 and in the months afterwards Lidl also closed its shop next door, partly because of less footfall from the neighbouring shop. 

The GMB Union has said that the hopes of a deal which could have saved hundreds of stores and thousands of jobs have collapsed. 

A statement from the union said: “We are incredibly sorry to have to share the devastating news that (administrators) PwC have confirmed the previous offer being explored for the sale of hundreds of stores as a going concern has fallen through. 

“There is now no prospect of saving the remaining store estate in its entirety and all Wilko stores will close by early October with DCs (distribution centres) to close on Friday September 15.” 

It added: “Although separate bids may be made for leases of groups of sites, these deals will not secure jobs, although the option to take up new employment with the bidders for these sites is something we are now pushing for. 

“This is not the news our members or the GMB had been hoping for or working towards. 

“We share the sorrow and anger of every Wilko team member today.” 

Labour’s shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This is heartbreaking news for staff and their families who have been holding out hope of a deal that would protect their jobs. 

“Sadly, shuttered-up shops have become the norm under the Conservatives who have weakened the foundations of our economy with local high streets paying the price.”