WHSmith announce plans to close six high street stores

THE retailer WHSmith has revealed that it is to close six of its high street stores following a detailed review into its high street business.

The announcement has come  despite the company announcing profits within its travel arm having risen by 7% to £103 million in the year ending August 2018.

The profits within its high street side of the business have fallen by 3%.

The company has yet to reveal the details of the stores, which will close but it is understood that the six stores facing closure would be those with ‘onerous’ leases.

It has become a trend for a number of high street stores in recent months, with House of Fraser, Prezzo, Patisserie Valerie and French Connection all encountering problems.

Companies blame the rise of Amazon and other online shopping sites for driving footfall away from town centres.

WHSmith has 610 high street stores in the UK including one in Llanelli.