WHSmith is set to close 20 high street stores in just weeks – see the full list

WHSmith, founded more than 230 years ago in London, is facing increasing pressure due to changing shopping habits and the rise of online retail – and is making changes as a result

Twenty WHSmith stores on UK high streets will have closed in the coming weeks – as the brand focuses instead on its more profitable outlets at airports and train stations.

The retailler, a fixture on British high streets for more than two centuries, is facing challenges due to changing shopping habits and the rise of online retail. Many traditional high street brands are downsizing or shutting down altogether amid the chaos the retail sector battles.

WHSmith recorded a 6% drop in total high street sales during the crucial Christmas period ending January 25, with like-for-like sales falling by 3%. It has now reached the decision to close more stores, including some which have been mainstays in their towns or cities for decades.

But the company says it will use the opportunity to instead focus on travel locations, such as airports and train stations, where footfall remains strong. Most large airports across the UK, including Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, have at least one WHSmith outlet.

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One of the branches closing down is in Doncaster, which has been trading in the Frenchgate Shopping Centre for 57 years, reports Express.co.uk. Others on the list below have already shut this year, including the one in Luton, Bedfordshire, bringing the total closures to 20 since the start of the calendar year.

The firm has, though, been exploring its strategic options for its high street estate, with reports suggesting that all 500 of its high street shops could be sold. HMV owner Doug Putman is one of several interested parties in discussions about a possible takeover.

Here is the full list of WHSmith stores closed and set to close:

1. Bournemouth Old Christchurch Road, Dorset – Closed on January 18
2. Luton, Bedfordshire – Closed on January 18
3. March, Cambridgeshire – Closed on January 25
4. Basingstoke, Hampshire – Closed on February 1
5. Long Eaton – Closed on February 1
6. Newtown, Powys – Closed on February 15
7. Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset – Closed on February 15
8. Rhyl, Denbighshire – Closed on February 15
9. Bolton, Greater Manchester – Closed in February
10. Accrington, Lancashire – Closed on March 15
11. Halstead, Essex – Closing in April
12. Halesowen, West Midlands – Closing in April
13. Diss, Norfolk – Closing in April
14. Newport, Wales – Closing in April
15. Haverhill, Suffolk – Closing on April 26
16. Woolwich – Closing in April
17. Stockton, County Durham – Closing in May
18. Oldham, Greater Manchester – Closing in May
19. West Mall, Frenchgate Centre Doncaster – Closing on May 31
20. Orpington, Greater London – Closing date to be confirmed

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WHSmith had previously said it is “no longer sustainable” to run its Doncaster branch, despite its lengthy history in the Frenchgate Centre. It cited rising costs and lower footfall as factors in deciding to axe the store, and other ones on the list.

Speaking in relation to the takeover links, a spokesperson said: “There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached, and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.”

WHSmith’s travel division remains strong, with stores in transport hubs performing well. The retailer has continued to expand its presence in airports and railway stations, capitalising on high passenger footfall and demand for convenience shopping.