RETAILER Wilko has begun an "administration sale" at its stores in Ayrshire.

Discounted prices are now available on a number of products in the company's stores in Ayr and Irvine - as their future hangs in the balance.

The shops on Ayr's High Street and in Irvine's Rivergate Shopping Centre are two of hundreds of Wilko stores now promoting the sale, with the promise of thousands of reductions throughout the store.

It comes only days after Wilko entered administration (on Thursday, August 10) putting its 400 stores, and thousands of jobs, at risk.

There are now major fears that Wilko could be joining the growing list of big-name retail brands that have disappeared from the nation's high streets.

Heading into these stores, like in Ayr and Irvine, is now the only way to support Wilko at this time after they suspended their home delivery and click and collect services.

There are still hopes that this administration sale does not spell the end.

The retailer had filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, providing a brief period of protection from creditors in the hopes of finding a buyer or securing investment.

Discussions had been held with potential buyers, including Laura Ashley owner of Gordon Brothers, Bensons for Beds owner Alteri, and OpCapital.

With PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) now overseeing the administration process, a sale process will be conducted, however, if a new buyer cannot be found, the 93-year-old chain may be liquidated.

A spokesperson from PwC explained that Wilko will continue to trade all stores without immediate redundancies while discussions with interested parties continue.

They said: "Initially, Wilko will continue to trade all stores without any immediate redundancies as discussions with interested parties continue.

"If buyers for some or all of the group are not found, it is likely that store closures and redundancies will follow."