WHSmith currently operates over 1100 stores, primarily in the UK, comprising 561 travel outlets and 612 high street stores (as of 31 August 2011).
WHSmith Travel sells a tailored range of Newspapers, Magazines, Books and Impulse products for people on the move and a broader convenience range in hospitals and workplaces.
At 31 August 2011, Travel operated from a total of 0.5m square feet of selling space, with units ranging in size from 90 square feet to more than 6,000 square feet. Of the 561 Travel units, 142 are in airports, 125 in railway stations, 119 in motorway service areas (most of which are franchise units), 111 in hospitals and 32 in locations such as bus stations and workplaces. 32 units are outside the UK, for example in the Republic of Ireland, Denmark, India, Australia and Oman.
The High Street business operates 612 stores with an extensive reach across the UK and a presence on nearly every significant UK high street. At 31 August 2011, High Street operated from a total of 3.1m square feet of selling space, with stores ranging in size from 777 square feet to more than 23,000 square feet.
Each year, over 320 million customers visit one of our High Street stores. High Street sells a wide range of products, which are divided into four categories: Stationery (including greetings cards), Books, and News and Impulse (including newspapers, magazines and confectionery), as well as a small range of Entertainment products in some stores. High Street’s trading is seasonal, peaking at Christmas, with other peaks at Easter and in August and September for the ‘Back to School’ range.