BRITISH high streets face another blow as WHSmith has confirmed it will close another location.
The struggling retailer is unbelievably set to shut nine locations in weeks.
Like many major chains, it has struggled to adapt to the changing high street climate.
The chain has confirmed its location on Midland Road in Bedford is set to shut.
WHSmith confirmed the location will close in July.
A spokesperson for the chain revealed the reason behind this closure.
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They said: “It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.”
WHSmith also took the opportunity to thank its local customers and workers.
The spokesperson added: “We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Bedford and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.
“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”
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Shocked shoppers shared their sad thoughts about the surprising news, on Facebook.
One person said: “What a shame.
“They had a really nice selection of Christmas cards.”
Another shopper added: “It is a shame I used to love taking my kids there on a Saturday morning.
“But time and peoples shopping habits change I’m afraid.”
The chain has also earmarked nine shops for closure over the next couple of months.
These include stores in Essex, the West Midlands, Norfolk, Newport and Suffolk.
Here is the full list of WHSmith closures that have either taken place or are due to in 2025 so far:
- Bournemouth Old Christchurch Road, Dorset – January 18
- Luton, Bedfordshire – January 18
- March, Cambridgeshire – January 25
- Basingstoke, Hampshire – February 1
- Long Eaton – February 1
- Newtown, Powys – February 15
- Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset – February 15
- Rhyl, Denbighshire – February 15
- Bolton, Greater Manchester – February
- Accrington, Lancashire – March 15
- Halstead, Essex – April
- Halesowen, West Midlands – April
- Diss, Norfolk – April
- Newport, Wales – April
- Haverhill, Suffolk – April 26
- Woolwich – April
- Stockton, County Durham – May
- Oldham, Greater Manchester – May
- Orpington, Greater London – no date given yet
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WHSmith has more than 1,100 stores across the UK, including over 520 high street shops.
The iconic chain has been serving customers since 1792.
