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WH Smith has confirmed that its post offices within its shops will not be affected if the sale of its High Street business goes ahead. The retailer issued the statement following questions over the future of the 195 post offices within its stores. The company is in talks over a potential sale of its High Street stores as its business has become more focused on its shops in airports and train stations. It said its “partnership” with the Post Office was an “important part” of the business and “will continue should a sale of our High Street business to new owners proceed”.
The first of WH Smith’s 500 stores opened more than 230 years ago, operating as a news vendor. It has since grown into a major High Street and travel retailer. The travel retail business side of WH Smith, which operates from airports, train stations and hospitals, now accounts for more than 85% of its profit and operates 1,200 stores across 32 countries. The announcement of a sale comes amid a difficult economic outlook for High Street retailers.
Since news of WH Smith’s potential High Street stores sale emerged over the weekend, the BBC has been contacted by many people asking about the fate of post offices within the stores, which it has featured since 2006. As well as posting letters and parcels, post offices are increasingly handling more cash deposits and withdrawals following the closure of many bank branches. They also deal with driving licence or passport renewals and bill payments.
Revenue from WH Smith’s High Street stores dropped by £17m in 2024 compared with the year before. However, profits remained the same after the business closed 14 of its stores last year. Shares in WH Smith rose on Monday as investors prepared for a potential cash boost from a sale, with reports suggesting private equity suitors are eyeing a deal to take control of the retailer’s High Street shops. Analysts have predicted the business could be sold for £100m or more in the coming months
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