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- 2020 -31 MarchSupermarkets
WHSmith launches partnership with Sainsbury’s amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
WHSmith and Sainsbury’s has announced its partnership to help NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic. WHSmith will be stocking an extended range of Sainsbury’s grocery products to “support the incredible work of the NHS through this challenging time.” The partnership will be available in over 80 hospital stores to include…
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Dec- 2019 -12 DecemberOnline & Digital
Homebase rated ‘worst’ online retailer in the UK for 2019
Homebase has been rated the worst online retailer in the UK for 2019, according to the latest Which? Annual Online Shops Survey. Shoppers complained about the retailer ignoring complaints and selling products that were actually out of stock. Which? asked more than 7,500 members to rate the most popular online…
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Sep- 2019 -11 SeptemberHigh Street
Most valuable UK retailers ‘falling behind’ global rivals, study finds
The value growth of the UK’s top retail brands is “falling behind” that of the leading global retail brands, according to Kantar’s ‘2019 BrandZTM Top 75 Most Valuable UK Brands’ ranking. While the UK retailers in the Top 75 grew their combined value by 4% over the last year, their…
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9 SeptemberEconomy
H&M battles with landlords over rents
Fashion retailer H&M is battling with landlords over rent reductions, which could potentially see property owners bear the cost of the rising number of returned clothes. According to a report from The Times, the retailer is pushing for “total occupational deals” where it discusses with landlords a sum linked to…
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May- 2019 -29 MayHigh Street
WHSmith ranked worst retailer in Which? Survey
WHSmith has finished bottom of Which?’s annual UK high street shops survey rankings of more than 100 shops, while specialist retailers came out on top. The annual survey of more than 7,700 Which? members looked at the bricks-and-mortar shops offering the best in-store experiences. WHSmith finished with a customer score…
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Apr- 2019 -11 AprilHigh Street
US deal puts dent in WHSmith profits
WHSmith’s profit before tax dropped by 21% to £65m, following the retailer’s acquisition of American airport store In Motion for £155m late last year. According to its interim results for the six months ended 28 February 2019, excluding In Motion, its travel revenue saw its profit rise 7% to £44m…
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Mar- 2019 -4 MarchPeople Moves
Kate Swann and Paul Geddes in contention for John Lewis chairmanship
Departing Direct Line boss Paul Geddes and former WHSmith CEO Kate Swann are both in the running to succeed Sir Charlie Mayfield as chairman of the John Lewis Partnership. According to the Sunday Times Geddes and Swann are the external candidates for the role and will be up against internal…
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Jan- 2019 -18 JanuaryAnalysis
Fall of the high street — can retailers survive?
The UK’s high streets are under attack. From the continued rise of online shopping, which has led to a reduction in footfall, to increases in business rates and the Living Wage, Britain’s retailers are struggling. The decline of the British high street has dominated the headlines in 2018 with in…
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Nov- 2018 -2 NovemberHigh Street
WHSmith fined £337,500 after customer falls through trapdoor
Newsagent chain WHSmith has been fined £337,500 after a customer fell almost three metres through a trapdoor, suffering serious injuries. WHSmith pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches leading to the fine, after the trapdoor at its Taunton store, located in the greetings card isle, was left open. The retailer…
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Oct- 2018 -30 OctoberM&A
WHSmith acquires InMotion in £155m deal
WHSmith has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of InMotion, a pure play travel retailer for $198m (£155m). InMotion is the largest airport-based digital accessories retailer in North America. Established in 1998, it operates a concession portfolio of 114 stores across 43 airports in the United States.…
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