History & Heritage
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.
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.
2006
Demerger of Retail and News Distribution businesses becomes effective with the creation of two separately listed entities - WH Smith PLC (formerly the Retail business) and Smiths News PLC (formerly WHSmith News).
2004
Hodder Headline, WHSmith's publishing business, is sold to Hachette Livre, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lagadere S.C.A.
2003
Kate Swann is appointed Group Chief Executive.
WHSmith announces the sale of its US Airport and Hotel retailing businesses for £41m and £8m respectively.
1999
WHSmith Online - www.whsmith.co.uk - is launched.
1997
UK Travel Retail is created as a separate business.
1995
WHSmith take the UK's first secure online order on 27 April. This is recognised as the start of online shopping in the UK by the IMRG.
1992
WHSmith Group celebrates its Bicentenary.
WHSmith Music Inc. acquires 59 stores from Record World and 20 stores from National Record Mart.
The Wall music retailer is formed
1986
WHSmith acquire Paperchase stationery stores.
WHSmith acquire Our Price Music, the recorded music chain.