WHSmith, a prominent retailer known for its offerings of stationery, books, magazines, and newspapers, has announced its decision to close two of its stores in Wales in February. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to shut down a total of 17 stores across the UK. With over 1,100 stores nationwide, WHSmith has been a familiar sight on high streets for many years. However, the retail giant is now focusing on streamlining its operations by closing stores as part of its restructuring plans. The closures are set to happen between now and May, with the first two stores closing in Bournemouth and Luton on January 18.
For Welsh shoppers, the impact will be felt on February 15 when stores in Newtown and Rhyl are set to shut their doors for the last time. This announcement comes amidst a series of closures that have been ongoing since 2023, with more planned in the coming months. The decision to close these stores is in line with WHSmith’s strategy to shutter up to 20 locations annually over the next three years. However, the company also aims to open 90 new stores during the same period, indicating a shift towards a more targeted approach to its store portfolio.
The list of WHSmith store closures includes locations in various parts of the UK, with closures scheduled up to May. Among the stores set to close are those in Bournemouth, Luton, March, Basingstoke, Newtown, Rhyl, Bolton, Accrington, Halstead, Halesowen, Diss, Newport, Haverhill, Stockton, Oldham, and Orpington. The closures are part of WHSmith’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions, as seen in the rise of online shopping and evolving retail landscapes.
To mitigate the impact of these closures, several of the affected stores have initiated “everything-must-go” sales to clear existing inventory. Additionally, WHSmith has been exploring new strategies to drive footfall and revenue, such as introducing Toys ‘R’ Us outlets within its existing stores in a ‘shop-in-shop’ concept. This approach aims to enhance the shopping experience for customers while optimizing the use of retail space in an innovative manner.
As the retail industry continues to face challenges and transformations, WHSmith’s decision to close stores reflects a broader trend within the sector. High street retailers are under pressure to adapt to changing consumer behaviours and economic conditions, leading to strategic shifts and restructuring efforts. While store closures are a part of this evolution, companies like WHSmith are also investing in new opportunities and exploring innovative solutions to stay relevant in a competitive market.
The closures of WHSmith stores in Wales and across the UK serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the retail landscape and the need for businesses to evolve in response to market developments. As the retail industry undergoes rapid change, companies must embrace innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric strategies to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive environment. Despite the challenges posed by store closures, WHSmith remains committed to serving its customers and adapting to the evolving demands of the retail sector.