High street stalwart WH Smith has signalled an end of an era by saying it doesn’t plan to open any more shops in the UK’s towns and cities. Instead chief executive Carl Cowling told the BBC that the historic chain would be concentrating on airports and train station.
The books, stationary and cards retailer said it was also aiming to open new shops in the USA and Europe. Mr Cowling said: “We’ve got a very healthy High Street business in the UK. But we’ve got no ambitions to grow that.
“When you look at the main cities across England, Wales and Scotland, we are present in those cities.” WH Smith insists that it will continue to invest in its stores, with Mr Cowling pointing to a retail partnership with Toys R Us in nine UK High Street shops.
