WHSmith is closing a number of branches across the UK as it looks to extend its arm into the travel sector.
The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, including in Manchester and Bicester, England.
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Meanwhile, the stationer has waved goodbye to branches in Oban, Scotland, and Ramsgate, Kent.
But it also comes amid a time of expansion for the chain, which is opening 15 branches at airports and train stations in 2024 in a boost for shoppers.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Which UK stores are closing down?
WHSmith closed its branch in Crewe, Cheshire, in early 2023 in a blow for locals.
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The site in the Victoria Shopping Centre welcomed in customers for the final time in March.
That same month, the stationer pulled down the shutters on its branch in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
In August, a store closed in Bicester, Oxfordshire, while a further site in Manchester shuttered for good on December 2, 2023.
In 2024, WHSmith closed four sites, including in Alfreton, Derbyshire in January, and Ramsgate, Kent, the same month.
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In February, two further branches closed for good including in Oban, Scotland, and Nantwich in South Cheshire.
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This is the full list of stores and their closure dates:
- Crewe, Cheshire – March, 2023
- Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire – March, 2023
- Bicester, Oxfordshire – August, 2023
- Manchester – December 2, 2023
- Alfreton, Derbyshire – January, 2024
- Ramsgate, Kent – January, 2024
- Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland – February, 2024
- Nantwich, South Cheshire – February, 2024
- Margate, Kent – April 20, 2024
As of late February, WHSmith had not announced any further branch closures for the following months beyond Margate.
However, in June 2023, it confirmed it would NOT be opening any more high street branches in a blow for shoppers.
The retailer said opening more high street stores would “just be a duplication” and that it was looking to focus on growing its portfolio outside the sector.
What about openings?
Where those new store openings will be found is in train stations and airports, WHSmith said in January.
It came after the high street stalwart announced revenue across the business increased by 8% over the 20 weeks to January 20, compared to the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, its UK travel sales grew by 15% over the same time frame. That’s compared to a 3% fall in revenue for its high street portfolio.
In an update to investors in late January, the retailer said it was on track to open 15 stores in 2024, with a further 15 to follow “each year over the medium term”.
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The retailer is yet to reveal the list of locations where it is opening branches, or when they will welcome in customers for the first time.
It forms part of wider WHSmith plans to open 110 new shops worldwide.
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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
