TK Maxx's Name Appears on Vacant Wilko Unit

Firmest indication yet that retailer is coming to the Oaks

The vacant former Wilko unit has been covered with white hoardings

June 17, 2026

TK Maxx now appears increasingly likely to be opening a store in the Oaks Shopping Centre after new white hoardings were installed around the former Wilko unit at The Oaks Shopping Centre, carrying the words “Bridgford Interiors working with TK Maxx.”

The signage, which has gone up in recent days, is the clearest indication so far that a fit-out is under way. Activity has been observed at the unit since last month and security staff say they believe TK Maxx is opening, but this is the first time contractors have publicly identified themselves alongside the retailer.

The Wilko unit, which has been empty since the chain collapsed in September 2023, is one of the largest retail spaces in Acton at around 16,000 square feet. It has long been considered the most likely location for a TK Maxx branch, particularly after Acton appeared on the company’s official list of target areas for London expansion. Until now, however, neither TK Maxx nor The Oaks’ management has confirmed any plans, and the company has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The sign on the hoardings seems to confirm the imminent arrival of TK Maxx

The new hoardings suggest that the retailer is preparing the site for a full internal refurbishment. Typically, once a contractor begins work of this kind, stores open within a few months, depending on the scale of the project. While some residents had hoped that TK Maxx might take over both the Wilko unit and the recently vacated Poundland next door to create a larger flagship store, the hoardings have been placed only around the former Wilko space. There is no sign that the Poundland unit is part of the current works.

If confirmed, the arrival of TK Maxx would be a significant boost for Acton’s retail landscape. The Oaks development has struggled with long-term vacancies since opening, and the closure of Poundland earlier this year added to concerns about the town centre’s mix of shops. A national retailer with strong footfall could help stabilise the area and attract further investment.

TK Maxx is known for its off-price retail model, offering branded clothing, homeware, beauty products and accessories at substantial discounts. Stock changes frequently, with new deliveries arriving several times a week, creating what the company describes as a treasure-hunt shopping experience. Its stores typically include womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, footwear, accessories, homeware and seasonal ranges, and they tend to draw steady customer traffic even in challenging retail conditions.

The chain is owned by TJX Companies, a US-based retail group that operates several major brands internationally, including T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States and Winners and HomeSense in Canada. In the UK and Europe, TJX trades as TK Maxx and HomeSense, and has been expanding steadily across London and the South East.