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.
1846
The enterprise changes its name to WHSmith & Son when William Henry's son, William Henry also, was taken into partnership on his 21st birthday.
1828
William Henry Smith, one of Anna and Henry’s sons left to run the business, was the more capable businessman of the two brothers and the business became known as WHSmith.
1792
Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna opened a small newsvendors in Little Grosvenor Street, London. Henry Smith dies a few months later leaving Anna to run the business.
Anna goes into partnership with Zaccheus Coates. This lasts until his death in 1812.