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Value chain Boyes will open a new store in Market Harborough within a fortnight, marking its third location in Leicestershire. A spokesperson confirmed the shop in the "vibrant" market town will open on May 15, joining two other branch locations in the county, in Coalville and Melton.

The new opening will replace the former Wilko, which had been at the site until its closure in September 2023. The shop has undergone a full refurbishment, including the first floor, which has been opened up to provide more floor space. The spokesperson said: "We were very impressed with how busy and vibrant Market Harborough was when we visited and felt the old Wilko store was a good location."

They continued: "Following a substantial refurbishment of the old Wilko store, which included opening up the first floor for retail, we will be opening on Friday, May 15.

"We are sure our wide range of everyday essentials and our great value prices will provide local shoppers with something new and different."

Founded in 1881 by William Boyes in Eastborough, Scarborough, it now operates more than 80 stores across Yorkshire, the North East, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The chain sells more than 30,000 items at value prices, including toys, toiletries, stationery and household goods. According to the retailer, 250,000 customers pass through its doors every week.

The Wilko store closed after the chain collapsed in August 2023, leading to thousands of job losses and the closure of its 408 stores, many of them in traditional town centres.

Experts suggested it had struggled against growing competition from discount stores such as Poundland, The Range and Home Bargains. They claimed that rivals offered similar products at lower prices.

Shoppers had also noticed gaps on shelves after Wilko struggled to pay suppliers and at least one credit insurer withdrew trade cover, prompting some companies to pause deliveries.