WH Smith to close 17 more stores in next few months - full list

2 weeks ago 5

WHSmith has confirmed it will close more stores in the coming months, including one shop that will shut imminently

WH Smith has announced a large number of store closures

WH Smith has announced a number of store closures

WH Smith, a British high street institution, has revealed plans to shut 17 stores across the country in the coming months, with one location closing its doors in a matter of days. The retailer, which boasts over 1,100 stores nationwide, has been gradually announcing store closures in recent months.

Since 2023, numerous WHSmith stores have closed, with more expected to follow suit by May. This move comes after WHSmith confirmed last November that it intends to close up to 20 stores annually for the next three years.

However, the chain also plans to open 90 new stores at different locations during the same period. Over the weekend, two sites held significant closing-down sales before shutting their doors permanently.

WHSmith's Bournemouth high street store offered shoppers discounts of up to 50% off before its final day of trading on January 18th. Local residents expressed disappointment at the news, with one commenting, "Another shop closing - so sad to see this."

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Another added, "Another one bites the dust here in Bournemouth: it's almost a ghost town." A WH Smith spokesperson told The Sun that while they were "disappointed" to be closing the Old Christchurch Road branch, it was "no longer sustainable" to trade from that location.

Luton Point shopping centre has waved goodbye to its WHSmith as the retailer pulls the plug, deeming it "no longer sustainable to continue to trade from". Workers hit by the shutdowns will be looked after with chances to move to other stores where they can.

But it's not just one store – WHSmith has slated a shop in March, Cambridgeshire to lock up for the last time on January 25, leaving over 20,000 residents without their local branch. The town's folk are up in arms, venting on Facebook their dismay at the high street's nose dive.

A disgruntled commenter said: "I knew this would happen. God, our high street is dying...all that work seems like such a massive waste. And on top of that, more jobs going. I hope all the staff find work ASAP."

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Post-shuttering, locals will need to trek to Wisbech, Ely, and Peterborough for their nearest WHSmith fix. More bad news is on the horizon, with five further closures in February, one in March, another five biting the dust in April, two in May, and Orpington's store is also on the chopping block soon – no date yet though.

As doors close, some sites are throwing "everything-must-go" sales, so savvy shoppers might snag some steals before the final goodbye.

Full list of known WH Smith store closures