WHSmith plans to close 17 high street stores by 2025, shifting focus to travel. The closures affect various locations across the UK, raising concerns for communities.
Bournemouth: WHSmith is closing 17 high street stores by 2025. They’re focusing more on travel shops. This change comes as they put their 500 stores up for sale.
The company is known for books and stationery. But now, they’re shifting to more profitable travel locations. They recently closed a popular store in Bournemouth.
Another store in Bournemouth will close on February 15. This is part of a larger plan to shut down several locations across the UK. The closures will continue until May 2025.
WHSmith’s travel division is doing well. It’s located in airports and hospitals, benefiting from increased travel. They aim to be a one-stop shop for travel needs.
WHSmith has been around for 233 years. They make 85% of their profits from international travel. This includes operations in 32 countries like India and Australia.
The Communication Workers Union is worried about the closures. They say it could hurt communities and create “postal deserts.” They’re in talks with WHSmith about the future of these stores.
On January 26, WHSmith announced they might sell part of their business. They’re exploring options but say there’s no guarantee of a deal.
Here’s the list of stores closing:
- January: Bournemouth, Luton
- February: Basingstoke, Bournemouth (Winton), Rhyl, Bolton
- April: Halstead, Halesowen, Diss, Newport, Haverhill
- May: Stockton, Oldham
