James Kemsey Wilkinson
English businessman (1906–1997)
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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
Career
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
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]