James Kemsey Wilkinson

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(1906-12-06)6 December 1906
Died18 December 1997(1997-12-18) (aged 91)
OccupationBusinessman
Years active1930–1997
Known forFounder of retailer Wilko
Spouse
Mary Cooper
(m. 1934)
Children2 (Tony)

Early life

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James Kemsey Wilkinson was born on 6 December 1906.[4][5]

Career

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Together 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

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He 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

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  1. ^ "James Kemsey Wilkinson". Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  2. ^ Ruddick, Graham (2 August 2014). "Wilkinson family split after 84 years in retail". Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Wilko to stay open for now in race to save jobs". BBC News. 10 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  4. ^ England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
  5. ^ a b "James Kemsey Wilkinson - Personal Appointments (free information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  6. ^ 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.
Business positions
Preceded by
Founded
Chair of Wilko
1930–1997
Succeeded by
Owner of Wilko
1930–1997