WHSmith
This coverage focuses on WH Smith’s retail operations and strategic developments in the UK. Reporting includes store network changes, product range updates, travel-retail performance, e-commerce evolution, marketing initiatives, and leadership moves — all analysed for their impact on sales, customer experience, and multi-format retail execution. The content is tailored for retail managers, travel‑retail professionals, and executives overseeing omnichannel retail operations.
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Mar- 2024 -19 MarchHigh Street
Primark trials ‘sold’ stickers as anti-theft deterrent
Primark UK has started trialling a new anti-theft measure, which sees checkout staff at some of the fashion retailer’s branches seal up paper carrier bags with blue “sold” stickers. This measure means that any customers carrying bags without the stickers will be stopped at the door by store security guards. …
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Dec- 2023 -11 DecemberNews
Today’s news in brief-11/12/23
November proved to be a challenging month for UK retailers, with Black Friday discounts failing to uplift sales, according to figures from accountancy firm BDO. Despite a positive start with a 4.7% increase in week one, like-for-like sales in November declined by 0.3% compared to the previous year. The fashion…
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11 DecemberNews
John Lewis non-exec director steps down
John Lewis non-executive director Nicky Dulieu has stepped down from her role after seven months with the partnership. According to a spokesperson for the retailer, she decided to quit her role after deciding that it wasn’t “compatible with her existing time commitments”. Dulieu was appointed to the partnership’s board in…
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Oct- 2023 -27 OctoberNews
Lakeland partners with Retail Trust for new staff wellbeing measures
Kitchenware and homeware retailer Lakeland has begun working with retail industry charity the Retail Trust to protect the wellbeing of its 1300+ members of staff. They will be given access to a range of personalised mental health resources thanks to the new partnership, including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy for…
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Sep- 2023 -6 SeptemberHigh Street
WHSmith FY revenues soar 28% as travel rebounds
WHSmith has welcomed a strong year of trading in the year ended 31 August, as the stationery retailer’s revenues increased 28% against the prior year. The group attributed its spike in revenue to its travel category’s popularity, which saw a 42% increase in revenue. It said its sales performance in…
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Jun- 2023 -30 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith to not open any more high street stores
WH Smith chief executive Carl Cowling has told the BBC that the retailer will not open any more UK high street stores, instead focusing on UK airports and train stations, as well as openings in the US and European markets. This comes as, over the past 20 years, the retailer…
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21 JuneHigh Street
WHSmith, M&S and Argos ordered to pay underpaid staff
WHSmith, M&S and Argos have been ordered to pay unpaid wages to thousands of staff following an investigation from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). WHSmith have been ordered to pay over £1m to over 17,000 workers after a policy making staff supply their own uniform caused their wages…
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16 JuneHigh Street
WHSmith partners with Retail Trust to boost staff wellbeing
WHSmith is introducing new measures to support its employees’ health and happiness after partnering with retail industry charity the Retail Trust to help boost staff wellbeing. The group’s 12,000 plus employees and their families now have access to a range of personalised resources including the Retail Trust’s wellbeing helpline, counselling…
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5 JuneAnalysis
Could WHSmith secure Toys R Us’ success through concessions?
After disappearing from UK high streets and retail parks in 2018, Toys R Us has made plans to relaunch this summer across several locations, as well as in the form of concessions in WHSmith branches. The children’s toys retailer exited after falling out of favour due to strong competition from…
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1 JuneNews
WHSmith to bring Toys R Us back to the UK high street
WHSmith and Toys R Us have today announced the locations of nine WHSmith High Street stores which will be unveiling new Toys R Us shop-in-shops from this month to bring the children’s toy brand back to the UK high street. Customers visiting these stores will be welcomed by a life-size…
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