James Kemsey "JK" Wilkinson (6 December 1906 – 18 December 1997) was an English businessman, the founder of the high street chain Wilko. In 2014, it was reported that Wilko had 372 stores, 23,000 employees and annual revenues of £1.5 billion.[2] Wilko collapsed into administration, on 10 August 2023.[3]
James Kemsey Wilkinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 December 1906 |
| Died | 18 December 1997 (aged 91) Leicester, Leicestershire, England |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1930–1997 |
| Known for | Founder of retailer Wilko |
| Spouse |
Mary Cooper (m. 1934) |
| Children | 2 (Tony) |
Early life
editCareer
editTogether with his then fiancée, Mary Cooper, he founded Wilkinson Cash Stores Limited in Leicester during 1930, opening their first store there at 151 Charnwood Street.[6] His brother Donald already had a hardware store in Birmingham, and two of his stores in Handsworth later joined the chain.[citation needed]
In 1932, they opened their second store, in Wigston.[6]
In 1937, his brother John joined as a director.[citation needed]
He ceased to be a director of Wilko on 18 December 1997 when he died.[5]
Personal life and death
editHe married Mary Cooper on 22 October 1934 at St Peter's, Highfields, Leicester.[citation needed]
Their son, Tony Wilkinson was born in 1937.[citation needed]
Wilkinson died on 18 December 1997, aged 91.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "James Kemsey Wilkinson". Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ Ruddick, Graham (2 August 2014). "Wilkinson family split after 84 years in retail". Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
- ^ "Wilko to stay open for now in race to save jobs". BBC News. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
- ^ a b "James Kemsey Wilkinson - Personal Appointments (free information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
- ^ a b Stephen Butt (30 October 2013). The History of Leicester in 100 People. Amberley Publishing Limited. pp. 118–. ISBN 978-1-4456-1698-8. Retrieved 28 May 2016.