A Wilko store in Wiltshire is quickly running out of stock as shoppers see scores of empty shelves, as discussions about rescuing the national chain continue.

Thousands of items at Wilko are available at discounts between 10 and 50 per cent off at its Trowbridge store, while online home delivery and click-and-collect services have been halted.

Stationery, plants, gardening tools, Christmas goods and home, kitchen and DIY items have all been up for grabs as eager customers take advantage to buy cheap.

Having failed to secure a takeover that would save the business, Wilko went into administration recently, with all 400 of its stores and 12,000 jobs at risk.

Redundancies at Wilko have been suspended while late rescue bids for the business are considered.

Private equity firm M2 Capital announced on Sunday that it had made a £90 million rescue bid for the firm. It pledged to retain all employees' jobs for two years.

HMV owner Canadian business Doug Putnam is also said to be interested in rescuing some of the business.

In the meantime, the ‘Wilko Administration Sale’ continues at 400 branches across the country.

With up to 50 per cent off the sale price of some items, hundreds of shoppers have raided the shelves in the hope and expectation of picking up a bargain.

They include three stores at Chippenham, Devizes and Trowbridge, and two branches in Swindon.

Wiltshire Times: Shelves stripped bare at Trowbridge Wilko's. Photo: Trevor Porter 70111-2Shelves stripped bare at Trowbridge Wilko's. Photo: Trevor Porter 70111-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The GMB union, which represents more than 3,000 Wilko employees, is calling for a meeting with Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

In Wiltshire, around 100 jobs are at risk as the retain chain sells off its existing stock as part of the administration sale.

Administrators from chartered accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers were appointed to Wilko on August 10 as it ran short of cash.

Wilko chief executive Mark Jackson said: "We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that, with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

"We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now, we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators."

A spokesperson for PwC said it is "likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future" if a potential buyer cannot be found".