A MAJOR retailer with more than 1,100 branches will shut two shops for the last time today after a string of other closures.
WHSmith, the popular British stationer which is known for its books, magazines and newspapers, will permanently shut two shops today.
The store at The Malls shopping centre in Basingstoke, Hampshire, will close for the last time today.
The chain has been a fixture in the town for more than 56 years.
WHSmith announced earlier this year that it will close a number of sites in the UK but the Basingstoke branch was not originally included on the list.
The company is closing a number of outlets and expanding its presence in airports and train stations, while new branches are planned at key travel sites.
Clearance signs have been put up in the Basingstoke shop to advertise discounts on a wide range of items including books and stationery.
WHSmith said the decision to close the shop was due to the upcoming lease expiring and changing trading conditions.
A WHSmith spokesperson told The Sun: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Basingstoke will be closing on Saturday February 1, 2025.
“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.
“We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Basingstoke 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.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Toys R Us and other brands that are making a comeback” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6351810018112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Many residents feared the closure could affect the town’s Post Office, which moved into the WHSmith branch in 2019.
The Post Office has confirmed that it is in the process of finding a new operator to take over the branch.
One resident said: “Hopefully the Post Office will decide to take the whole downstairs unit and open a larger service up again like Basingstoke used too at top of town.”
Meanwhile, the WHSmith on Long Eaton’s High Street in Nottinghamshire will also close today.
The store has also launched a closing down sale, with reports suggesting that shelves have nearly been stripped bare.
Customers can get up to 75% off cards, stationery and books.
Residents have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, describing the closure as “sad”, with one saying the area will be left like a “ghost town”.
One said: “Another big empty shop. But not surprised…its so sad to see what Long Eaton has become.”
A WHSmith spokesperson told The Sun it was “disappointed” to be losing its presence in the area.
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.
“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.”
WHSmith is shuttering several branches across the UK as it expands into the travel sector.
The retail giant, which runs more than 1,100 stores, has earmarked 19 shops which will shut for good in the coming months.
These include its Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset, on February 15, and a branch in Woolwich in April.
The stationer has already closed down several stores, including in Bolton, Lancashire and Boscombe, Bournemouth.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.