WH Smiths - rumblings of trouble

[KEV67]

Sounds like WH Smiths might be going the same way as Woolworths and Wilco. In Reading, WH Smiths are the main alternative to Waterstones if you want to buy a physical book. They don't have the same range as Waterstones. They tend to focus more on bestsellers, crime, romance, etc. I only know of two other shops that sell books in Reading. The RISC centre, which is a sort of hippy drop in centre, sells books largely written by authors from developing countries, books on feminism, sustainability, etc. There is a relatively small, independent bookshop in Caversham, which almost feels like another town, because you have to cross the river. 

[Madeleine]

Same here, in fact Waterstone's in one of my main shopping areas closed down last September.  WHS share the Post Office in both my local shopping centres,and apart from a 2nd hand bookshop in one of the centres, there are no other booksellers (not counting supermarkets of course).  Plus Smith's sell so many other accessories,stationery etc. It would be a real shame if they went as well.

[itsmeagain]

My WHSmith locally, is selling books half price to prepare for closure.

[Madeleine]

So it's true, WHSmith is to close it's high Street stores.  That means my local shopping centre will not have one bookshop, as Waterstone's closed in September.  Shame.  They are good for stationery and small gifts as well.

[Hayley]

I hadn’t heard about that! Are all of them closing or just some?

 

WHSmith hasn't been a great bookshop for a while - I think it was obvious they were struggling when they started selling more gifts, toys and snacks than books. But there was still a better selection than supermarket shelves. It’s not good if that selection is all that’s left in places - especially for kids! It completely takes away the spontaneity of seeing a cover on a bookshop shelf that just looks really interesting. 

[Madeleine]

They're closing the high street shops, a shame because as you say their book selection is much better than the supermarkets.  They're keeping on the shops at airports, stations and other transport hubs though they only have limited stock.

[Brian.]

Our local WHSmith is a tip and has been for years so I am not surprised this is happening. It seems to be that they have tried to do everything and as a result their specialist competitors have done better.

[Madeleine]

My local stores are quite good, they're usually pretty busy too, and both have a Post Office in them, so I wonder what will happen to that?