The value home and garden retailer has signed a lease for a new store at the Putney Exchange Shopping Centre in southwest London.

The new 8,000 sq ft store is expected to open in April and will generate more than 40 new jobs within the local area. According to Wilko, applications have already started coming in, with residents keen to be a part of the Wilko team.

Wilko head of retail Craig McGregor said: “We are delighted to have signed the lease at Putney Exchange Shopping Centre and can’t wait to open our doors.

“Putney Exchange is in a fantastic location, with great transport links and we’re sure it will become the go-to place for locals looking to stock up on products for their homes and gardens for years to come.

“We had an exciting year in 2018 and are looking forward to opening more stores across the UK this year.”

The retailer has continued to expand at a pace, with a number of new openings and new leases taken on during 2018. Wilko now operates 414 stores across the UK selling homewares and furnishings, garden and outdoor lifestyle products, DIY and decorating lines.

As part of its growth strategy, Wilko puts a lot of emphasis on its own-brand products, which currently make up more than 50% of its total sales.