A lot has been written about the collapse of Wilko.
I feel sad for employees, suppliers, customers – anyone who had an interest in the business.
But strategically it was not in a good place.
Assuming you are not using e-commerce, take a moment to think about why you visit in person a store, for what specific core reason?…for groceries, for a new pair of shoes, for plants and garden?
Where do you go? The places you are thinking are most probably experts in those categories, that is where they focus primarily.
Now think about Wilko, and why you might visit. I did. A few times. For bits and bobs. This and that. Not a core reason for a visit.
I am not saying this can’t work, being cheap and cheerful across lots of categories can work and it has an audience (others do it) but the business has no strategic focus.
Strong businesses and brands have a clear strategy and a focus, in product/service and in all other areas of their business model. Just saying!