The retailer has a long history, having opened its first store way back in 1792, but the name could soon be be gone from towns and cities across the country. According to The Times, talks are under way to offload high street stores to a new buyer and give up the rights to the WHSmith name. This would mean that whoever purchases the shops can rebrand them entirely, with the report claiming the retailer is set to focus on its travel business, which accounts for 85 per cent of the company's profits. WHSmith has a large presence in Hertfordshire, with stores in Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Harpenden, Watford, Rickmansworth, Royston and Borehamwood. The sale could lead to the closure of underperforming stores, many of which have short leases remaining.

Source: The Times March 03, 2025 12:53 UTC