WHSmith has announced it is closing some branches across the UK as it expands across airports and train stations.
So far this year, branches have been closed in Scotland, Kent, Manchester and other locations and more are expected to follow.
But 15 new branches are expected to open at UK airports and train stations.
We take a look below at the store closures and openings.
Which stores are closing?
This is the full list of store closures and closing 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
Are stores opening?
There are some stores opening as WHSmith moves away from the high street to instead focus around travel hubs.
This is because revenue across the business had risen by 8% over the 20 weeks to January 20, in comparison to the same period the previous year.
Its travel sales grew by 15% over the same time frame compared to a 3% fall in revenue for its high street portfolio.
It is due to open 15 stores in 2024, with an additional 15 after that ‘each year over the medium term.’
But the locations of where these new branches will open has not been revealed yet.
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