WHSmith

The nostalgia trend: Why do companies revive old brands?

A cultural institution in the 90s, defunct in the 00s and making a comeback in the 20s. MFI Furniture is set to relaunch on the British high street after owner Victorian Plumbing revealed plans to relaunch the brand in early 2026, promising a refresh without the frustrations of long online…

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WH Smith buyer faces year-long ban from mass store closures

The new owner of WH Smith’s high street chain has effectively been banned from enacting widespread store closures for at least 12 months following the acquisition of the chain in March. According to Sky News, WH Smith would have the right to cancel a year-long transitional services agreement (TSA) with…

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Hilco Capital and Endless table offers for Poundland

Several potential buyers have reportedly tabled their offers to acquire Poundland, after the retailer has been hit by struggling sales and mounting losses in recent months.  According to Sky News, Hilco Capital and turnaround investor Endless both set forth their respective proposal offers on Friday (25 April) ahead of a…

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Today’s news in brief-28/3/25

WHSmith has agreed to sell its high street retail arm to Modella Capital in a £76m deal, marking a significant shift for the historic brand. The acquisition includes around 480 stores across the UK, which will be rebranded as TGJones. WHSmith will retain its travel and international operations, including stores…

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WHSmith agrees sale of high street arm to Modella Capital in £76m deal

Modella Capital has announced that it has acquired the UK high street operations of WHSmith, business based on an enterprise value of £76m. The acquisition covers around 480 stores on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks across the UK. As part of the deal, the high street stores will…

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Two bidders remain in running for WH Smith high street arm

Only two firms reportedly remain in the running to acquire WH Smith’s high street business, with a possible decision coming sometime this spring, according to Sky News.  The news outlet revealed that Alteri Investors, which owns Bensons for Beds, and the Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop owner Modello Capital…

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WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry

After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…

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HMV owner eyes bid for WH Smith’s high street arm

The owner of HMV is reportedly considering snapping up WH Smith’s high street arm, after the retailer this week confirmed it was exploring a potential sale of its 500 high street stores. According to The Sun, it is understood that HMV owner Doug Putman is now in talks with advisers over…

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WH Smith explores sale of high street arm

WH Smith has confirmed that it is exploring the potential sale of its high street stores as it looks to restructure the business, which has seen its Travel business continue to outperform high street outlets in recent years.Over the weekend, Sky News reported that the retailer has been in negotiations…

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Today’s news in brief-14/11/24

The Range and Wilko owner, CDS Superstores, has acquired 70 Homebase stores after the DIY retailer entered administration. This move, intended to save about 1,600 jobs, will allow Homebase stores to continue operating under CDS while administrators from Teneo Financial Advisory manage the transition. Homebase’s decline, attributed to low consumer…

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