WHSmith, the iconic British retailer, is undergoing a significant restructuring of its high street presence, with plans to close 17 stores across the UK in the coming months. This continues a trend of closures that began in 2023, driven by changing market dynamics and the company’s strategic shift towards travel retail. The closures, affecting locations from Bournemouth to Oldham, are part of a larger plan to shutter up to 20 high street stores annually over the next three years. WHSmith attributes these closures to individual store performance and unsustainable trading conditions at specific locations. While the company acknowledges the disappointment these closures bring to local communities, it emphasizes its commitment to supporting affected staff through redeployment to nearby stores where possible.
The retail landscape in the UK is facing considerable challenges in 2025, with rising costs, shifting consumer behavior, and increased online competition contributing to a wave of store closures. The British Retail Consortium predicts a £2.3 billion hit to the retail sector due to increased employer National Insurance Contributions, and the British Chambers of Commerce reports that over half of businesses plan to raise prices in response to escalating operational costs. These pressures are reflected in the Centre for Retail Research’s forecast of 17,350 retail store closures in 2025, following a significant increase in closures in 2024 compared to the previous year. This challenging environment has led to a bleak outlook for retail employment, with predictions of up to 202,000 job losses in the sector, potentially exceeding the levels seen during the peak of the pandemic.
WHSmith’s strategic shift away from high street expansion is in contrast to its growth plans in other sectors. The company intends to open 90 new sites over the next three years, primarily focusing on travel retail locations such as airports, railway stations, and hospitals. This strategy reflects a growing trend in the retail industry, with companies increasingly targeting captive audiences in travel hubs. In 2024, WHSmith opened 110 new stores globally, with 15 in the UK and over 50 in the US, highlighting its international growth ambitions. This targeted expansion, coupled with in-store innovations like the introduction of Toys R Us concessions, demonstrates WHSmith’s efforts to adapt to evolving market demands and diversify its offerings.
The closures announced for 2025 represent a continuation of a trend that saw WHSmith close 10 stores in the preceding two years, including locations in Manchester, Bicester, Somerset, and Sale. The company’s decision to cease high street expansion in June 2023 signaled a shift in its focus, prioritizing growth in non-high street locations. Despite these closures, WHSmith maintains a significant presence in the UK, with over 1,100 stores still in operation. The company’s strategy is to optimize its portfolio by closing underperforming high street locations while simultaneously expanding its footprint in more profitable and growing sectors.
The list of upcoming WHSmith store closures includes locations across the UK, affecting towns and cities in diverse regions. Some of these closures, such as the Bournemouth and Luton locations, occurred in January 2025, preceded by closing down sales offering discounted merchandise. Other closures are scheduled throughout the year, with several locations closing in February, March, April, and May. The specific closure dates for some locations, like the Orpington branch, are yet to be confirmed. These closures have prompted concerns among local residents about the declining state of high streets and the loss of convenient access to essential retail services.
In summary, WHSmith’s strategic decision to close a number of high street stores reflects the wider challenges facing the UK retail sector in 2025. While these closures impact local communities and result in job losses, they are part of a larger strategy to reposition the company for future growth. WHSmith’s focus on expanding its travel retail presence, coupled with in-store innovations, demonstrates its adaptability and commitment to long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing retail landscape. The company aims to streamline its portfolio by closing underperforming high street locations while capitalizing on opportunities in more dynamic and profitable sectors.
