Inside Salisbury: The future of WH Smith
List of WH Smith stores confirmed closing this year
by Annette J Beveridge
NEWS that one giant of the High Street might be closing was met with mixed reviews recently when news about possible closures were publicised.
People have long relied on WH Smith shops for notebooks, pens, art materials, magazines and books but like any other retail business, it faces the usual pressures.
Today, (Monday, January 27) WH Smith has confirmed which of its retail stores will close its doors for the final time with most expected to close before May this year.
The Salisbury store in The Old George Mall has not been listed.
The full list of shops closing is as follows:
Bournemouth
Luton
Basingstoke
Rhyl
Winton
Bolton
Accrington
Halstead
Halesowen
Diss
Newport
Haverhill
Stockton
Oldham
Orpington.
This list follows on from the eight store closures which took place in 2024 but the company has stated it plans to open 90 stores in locations such as railway stations, airports and motorway services.
It is not yet known whether other High Street stores will close later this year.
