Large chain with 1,400 branches will OPEN 15 new stores, but not in the shopping streets

A MAJOR retailer has confirmed it is on track to open 110 new stores this financial year, but these will not be on the high street.

WHSmith has said it plans to open 15 new stores in Britain this year.

The retailer hasn't shared a list of locations yet, but says they will be travel locations, including airports and train stations.

The brand says group sales increased by 8% in the 20 weeks leading up to January 20, compared to the same period last year.

Travel revenue in the UK grew by 15% over the same period, leading to 13% growth in the overall division.

The retail chain has seen sales increase at British airports, train stations and hospitals in recent months.

However, the company saw sales on the high street fall in the same 20-week period.

Group CEO Carl Cowling said: “The group is trading well and is in its strongest position ever as a global travel retailer.

“We are confident of another year of significant growth in 2024.”

“We continue to make excellent progress in North America, and I am especially excited about the substantial growth opportunities that exist in this market.”

“We are on track to open more than 50 new stores in North America this fiscal year.

“In total, we are on track to open more than 110 stores this financial year.”

The company plans to open a similar number of stores each year in the coming years.

In June last year, WHSmith confirmed it would no longer open stores.

WHSmith currently has about 550 stores and he went on to say that opening more “would just be a duplication.”

A spokesperson for WHSmith told The Sun that the retailer has no plans to close its current high street stores.

However, we saw a WHSmith closure in Alfreton, Derbyshire earlier this month.

Just before the end of last year in December, the retailer also closed a store in Manchester.

Several other retailers have struggled to make ends meet in recent years.

Energy costs have risen and more consumers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.

This leaves some retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

Homebase closed a store last year, leaving just 93 stores since its acquisition by Hilco Capital in 2018.

Poundstretcher closed several stores last year, but also opened new stores in closed Wilko stores.

Even charity shops are struggling. Oxfam confirmed last year that it would close eight of its UK stores.

Clintons, Boots, HMV and Halfords are among the chains closing their stores before January 28.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. Several retailers have announced plans to open stores in the coming months.

B&M will open 17 new locations this month and in February, including in former Wilko stores.

Asda plans to open 21 new locations before the end of the month.

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