WHSmith
WHSmith Locations Near You
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WHSmith: Books, Stationery, and More
WHSmith, sometimes shortened to ‘Smiths’, is a chain of stores originating from Britain. They offer their customers a wide selection of items. Although primarily known as a bookstore, they also sell stationery, greeting cards, toys, games, children’s items, magazines, and even snacks. They sell a range of books in genres from science fiction to cookbooks and everything in between. The store has a strong presence on the UK high street, as well as securing top locations within shopping centres. They offer the British and international public the chance to buy their products at over 1,000 stores. In fact, they run operations from both sides of the globe in the UK and Australia.
Their 1,000-plus stores are located throughout all areas of the UK. You will find them on most high streets in any major UK city or town. Most of their outlets are located in the UK, but as mentioned, they do run some stores overseas. Their overseas presence is due to one particular type of store they run—their Travel stores.
They have more than 280 international locations through their travel-oriented branches. These stores sell books and stationery to keep frequent flyers entertained on domestic and long-haul flights, but they also offer travel necessities as well. This includes items such as plug adapters, sun cream, sweets for the plane, and more. Naturally, these stores are found at transport hubs in the UK and abroad, including airports, railway stations, and bus stations. Their overseas locations are in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
Recognizing a store is easy because of the distinctive logo, which has remained more or less constant since its inception. They have a simple logo comprising a blue background and white lettering. The storefront will show the full company name, but it may also be shortened on signs to "WHS" bearing the same aesthetics.
WHSmith Opening times can vary greatly and depend on the store's particular location. Branches may open as early as 7:30 am, whereas others will not be accessible until 9 am. Similarly, their closing times can differ, ranging from anywhere between 5 pm and 11 pm. Travel store opening times will usually correspond to the opening times of the transport hub they are located in or have extended opening times compared to high street locations.
Some stores remain open seven days per week while others close on Sundays, depending on the location. Opening times may change on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas, Boxing Day, and other bank holidays. Again, these changes depend on the country the store is located in.
WHSmith is not an open book to everybody. Here are five interesting things that may not be widely known about the company:
- The business began as a news vendor outlet in London.
- The company was formed in 1792.
- They once founded a television channel.
- It is over 230 years old!
- They have acquired many other retailers during their existence.
Their main categories of products include books, eBooks, magazines, craft essentials, stationery, toys and games, electronics, and even some items of furniture. Books are one of their biggest revenue streams, covering an extensive number of genres. The same applies to their selection of magazines and eBooks. Their popular selection of stationery is complemented by office supplies such as accessories and peripherals. They also sell computer games and family board games, from the classics to modern games, keeping up with larger toy retailers.
As stated, WHSmith was formed as a news vendor in London. The pair responsible for its formation were husband and wife duo, Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna. After their deaths, their son, William Henry Smith, took over the business. The company continued to succeed by capitalizing on the railway boom, expanding with stands at railway stations. The business stayed in the family and has continued to grow and expand ever since.
