Fans are mourning because the retail giant with 1,400 branches has to close its doors for good

Shoppers are devastated after a retail giant with 1,400 branches will close its doors for good in weeks.

The retail giant has confirmed the impending closure of one of its stores in Berkshire.

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WHSmith announced it is rolling down the shutters of the store on the busy high street in Slough for the final time.

Next to the post office, the store is emptied of stationery and books.

The local population will now have to take their baskets and letters elsewhere.

With more than 1,400 branches across the country, the retailer has left locals mourning the loss of a Slough staple.

The staff will close their doors for the last time on Saturday, May 11.

Bosses said the decision follows the end of the unit’s leasing and financial challenges.

A spokesperson for WHSmith said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Slough will close on Saturday 11 May.

“It is no longer sustainable to continue trading from this location and the decision has been made to close the store due to the impending lease.

“We are disappointed to lose our presence at this location and would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.

“We are also extremely grateful for the efforts of our colleagues in the stores, who we will support in this transition and redeploy to nearby stores where possible.”

However, the measure has led to a wave of dissatisfaction among the local population, who are already struggling with a ‘ghostly’ shopping street.

Shoppers said the move represents a significant blow to their city.

Taking to Facebook, one shopper said: “Are there any real shops left on Slough High Street?”

Another said: ‘If another good shop goes the high street might as well be closed, it’s not worth staying open. What a sad thing.’

A third fumed: “They keep saying they are going to transform the high street but nothing is happening.”

Others expressed their sadness and frustrations.

A local resident said: “I am shocked to hear that WH Smith is closing.”

Another added: “Not another worthwhile store. Such a shame for the town and residents.”

A third wrote: “Another nail in the coffin for Slough.”

The retailer has 600 high street stores, along with more than 800 travel stores in airports, train stations, hospitals, workplaces and along highways.

Earlier this month, as part of its preliminary results, the chain announced it would close 22 stores to focus on finding better quality space.

In June, WHSmith’s boss Carl Cowling said it had no plans to open any more British high street stores.

Instead, it is focusing its efforts on British airports and train stations, and also wants to expand in the US and Europe, he said.

Which British stores will close?

WHSmith closed its branch in Crewe, Cheshire, in early 2023, in a blow to locals.

The location in the Victoria Shopping Center welcomed customers for the last time in March.

That same month, the stationer pulled down the shutters of its branch in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.

In August, a store in Bicester, Oxfordshire closed, while another in Manchester closed permanently on December 2, 2023.

In 2024, WHSmith closed four sites, including in Alfreton, Derbyshire in January, and Ramsgate, Kent, the same month.

In February, two more branches closed for good, including in Oban, Scotlandand Nantwich in South Cheshire.

This is the full list of stores and their closing dates:

• Crewe, Cheshire – March 2023
• Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire – March 2023
• Bicester, Oxfordshire – August 2023
• Manchester – December 2, 2023
• Alfreton, Derbyshire – January 2024
• Ramsgate, Kent – January 2024
• Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland – February 2024
• Nantwich, South Cheshire – February 2024
• Margate, Kent – April 20, 2024