WHSmith is one of the longest established retailers in the UK, founded in 1792 making it older than British Gas, Cadbury, Clarks and Harrods.
We are a leading global travel retailer for news, books, food, drinks, snacks and convenience, with a smaller business located on UK high streets. We're proud to be the familiar face people trust on their journeys, both in life and through life.
WHSmith currently operates over 1,700 stores, primarily in the UK, comprising over 590 UK Travel units, over 600 International outlets, including North America, and over 530 High Street stores
Our business spans multiple formats and brands and we have clear strategies for our UK Travel, International Travel and UK High Street retail operations, joined together under one simple aim: to make every one of life's journeys better.
Within Travel we operate in operate in 29 UK airports and over 100 airports internationally. We operate in every major UK airport, offering passengers a great range of food, drinks, books, gifting, health and beauty, along with many other travel essentials.
WHSmith has been operating in rail locations since 1848 when we opened our first bookstall in London’s Euston station. Today, WHSmith is a leading rail retailer combining multiple categories in one store and offering a range of formats to suit all sizes of station. In the UK, we operate over 110 stores in rail locations.
Lastly, we operate over 130 stores in over 100 Hospitals in the UK, and our hospital business continues to grow. Our stores are tailored to each location, providing a one-stop-shop solution for staff, patients and visitors in hospitals. We're proud to deliver the strongest retail offer available within the UK healthcare industry, employing world class-store design and a convenience offer that makes us the first-choice retailer for customers and landlords.
We have built strong relationships with NHS trusts and partners, working closely to develop our healthy eating ranges and championing the healthy eating agenda across our entire suite of brands and formats.