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History & Heritage

History And Heritage

We have continued to evolve for over 230 years within a changing retail landscape.

Established in 1792, WHSmith’s first store was opened by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna in Little Grosvenor Street, London. A few decades later, WHSmith opened the first ever travel retail store in London’s Euston station in 1848. Now celebrating over 230 years in business, WHSmith is a leading global retailer in news, books and convenience with more than 1,700 stores in over 30 countries.

2022

WHSmith celebrate their 230th anniversary and close the year in their strongest ever position as a global travel retailer, with a further 150 stores won and due to open across the globe.

2021

WHSmith announce they have won 30 new tech stores across UK airports under the InMotion brand, making them the largest tech retailer in travel locations globally.

2020

Covid-19 brings the world to a halt and has a significant impact on the WHSmith Group. Stores remain open to serve local communities, with hospital stores supporting frontline NHS workers. The Group donates thousands of product to key workers and good causes.

2019

Carl Cowling is appointed Group Chief Executive on 1 November 2019.

WHSmith announce acquisition of Marshall Retail Group (MRG), a fast-growing independent travel retailer operating in high footfall airport and tourist locations in the United States.

2018

WHSmith announces the acquisition of InMotion, a pure play travel retailer based in US airports, marking a significant step in WHSmith’s international travel growth strategy.

2017

WHSmith celebrates it’s 225th anniversary.

WHSmith Travel becomes the largest part of the Group in both revenue and profit.

WHSmith acquires Cultpens.com

2016

WHSmith Travel opens its 750th store.

2014

WHSmith opens its 100th international store.

2010

WHSmith acquires Funky Pigeon.

2007

WHSmith annouces it will open Post Offices in 71 High Street stores following a successful trial in 6 stores in 2006.

WHSmith Travel establish a strong presence in motorway service areas, opening franchise units in Moto and Welcome Break locations.