WH Smith name to disappear from the high street after £76,000,000 sale (2025)

One of the UK’s most recognisable high street names, WH Smith, is set to disappear from the high street after being sold for £76 million.

The stationery brand, which was found in 1792, has announced it is selling its shops to the owner of Hobbycraft, Modella Capital, and will eventually rebrand as TGJones.

The sale does not the retailer’s locations in airports and train stations. The brand has also not been sold to Modella Capital.

All the approximately 480 stores and 5,000 staff working for the high street businesses will move under Modella Capital’s ownership as part of the deal.

Group chief executive Carl Cowling said: ‘As we continue to deliver on our strategic ambition to become the leading global travel retailer, this is a pivotal moment for WHSmithas we become a business exclusively focused on travel.

‘As our travel business has grown, our UK high street business has become a much smaller part of the WHSmithGroup.

‘High Street is a good business; it is profitable and cash generative with an experienced and high-performing management team.

‘However, given our rapid international growth, now is the right time for a new owner to take the high street business forward and for the WHSmithleadership team to focus exclusively on our travel business. I wish the High Street team every success.’

Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, told Metro: ‘The news surrounding WH Smith is a stark reminder of the challenges facing businesses in the UK.

‘Sadly, it feels like we are witnessing a gradual erosion of the high street, as established businesses grapple with tough trading conditions.’

She said this is also having an impact on smaller businesses as well and added: ‘While large retailers face significant hurdles, small businesses bear the brunt too.

‘This situation is set to be exacerbated by the raft of new taxes coming into effect next month.’

She said this means almost half of small businesses will increase their prices to cope with rising costs and almost a quarter will cancel hiring plans.

‘This deals a significant blow to the government’s hopes for increasing employment in the UK,’ she said.

‘These small businesses form the heart of our communities, and their potential loss has far-reaching consequences.

‘It’s crucial that we acknowledge these challenges and work together to support our high streets.’

WH Smith has already closed 16 high street stores in the UK since 2024, and it hasanother 10 planned this year.

Last year was one of theworst ever recorded for the British high street, with over 13,000 store closures from big brands reported.

WH Smith’s high street revenues dropped 3% in the 21 weeks to January 25, compared to the same period the year before.

The rest of the business experienced growth in that time, with the travel retail business generating 85% of profits.

Around 200 of WH Smith’s high street stores also have post offices.

Many high street stores across the country at the moment are struggling, with others facing closure including 100 New Look stores, and a selection ofGreggs, Trespass and Dobbiesbranches.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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