If you’re a resident or frequent visitor of Bournemouth, recent news about WHSmith store closures is likely surprising and bittersweet. The iconic bookshop and stationery retailer has been a staple on Bournemouth’s high street for years, serving the community with everything from magazines and books to gifts and school supplies. However, in 2025, WHSmith’s Bournemouth branches are closing, and major closing sales are underway. Here’s what locals need to know about these changes and how to make the most of the final days.
What’s Happening with WHSmith in Bournemouth?
WHSmith has announced the closure of two key Bournemouth stores: the Old Christchurch Road branch closed in January 2025, while the Winton branch is slated to close in February 2025. These closures are part of a larger nationwide plan where WHSmith is reducing its presence on the high street, focusing instead on travel retail locations such as airports and railway stations.
For Bournemouth shoppers, this means the loss of familiar, convenient outlets offering a wide variety of daily essentials and entertainment products.
The Closing Sales: Grab Your Bargains
To mark these closures, WHSmith is running extensive closing down sales in both branches. Discounts of up to 50% are available on selected books, magazines, stationery, toys, and gifts. If you’ve been eyeing a particular novel, holiday cards, or office supplies, now is the perfect chance to grab them at reduced prices.
Stocks are limited, so hurry if you want to take advantage of the best deals before the stores shut their doors for good—January 18, 2025, for Old Christchurch Road and February 15, 2025, for Winton.
Why Are These Stores Closing?
The decision to close WHSmith’s Bournemouth branches is mainly due to changing retail trends and the company’s strategic shift towards its more profitable travel retail divisions. With rising operational costs and increased competition from online shopping, many traditional high street stores are becoming unsustainable.
WHSmith aims to concentrate resources in airports, hospitals, and train stations, where customer traffic remains strong and consistent. This pivot reflects broader retail sector challenges that many familiar brands are facing across the UK.
How Is the Community Reacting?
Locals have expressed a mix of sadness and nostalgia at WHSmith’s departure from Bournemouth. Many people grew up shopping at these stores, making the closures feel like the end of a cherished era. Some have voiced concerns about the impact on the vibrancy of Bournemouth’s high street, hoping that the town will continue to thrive despite these changes.
Community members are encouraged to support other local retailers as the high street undergoes this period of transition.
What’s Next for Bournemouth’s Retail Scene?
Though WHSmith’s Bournemouth outlets are closing, the town’s retail landscape is evolving. Independent shops, cafes, and new businesses are emerging, offering fresh experiences and helping to rejuvenate the high street. Additionally, WHSmith’s continued presence in travel hubs and hospitals means locals and visitors can still find the brand in different settings.
For now, residents can enjoy the closing sale bargains and prepare for the next chapter in Bournemouth’s retail story.
Final Thoughts
WHSmith Bournemouth’s closing sales mark a significant change but also an opportunity for shoppers to stock up on favorite products at discounted prices. While it’s hard to see a familiar store close, the retail world is evolving, and Bournemouth’s community resilience will play a vital role in shaping its future vibrancy.
If you want to make the most of the WHSmith closing sales, visit the stores soon and take advantage of the discounts while they last.
Stay tuned for local updates on other retail changes in Bournemouth, and don’t forget to support your neighborhood shops!
WHSmith Bournemouth Closing Sale: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is WHSmith closing its stores in Bournemouth?
A1: WHSmith is closing its Bournemouth stores as part of a nationwide strategy to reduce high street outlets and focus more on travel retail locations such as airports and train stations. Rising costs and changing shopping habits have also influenced this decision.
Q2: Which WHSmith stores in Bournemouth are closing?
A2: The Old Christchurch Road WHSmith store closed in January 2025, and the Winton branch is scheduled to close in February 2025.
Q3: When will the WHSmith closing sales occur?
A3: The Old Christchurch Road store held its closing sale leading up to its January 18, 2025 closure. The Winton store has an ongoing closing sale with discounts up to 50% as it prepares to close permanently on February 15, 2025.
Q4: What kind of discounts can I expect during the closing sale?
A4: Discounts include up to 50% off on books, stationery, magazines, toys, gifts, and other store items. The sales mark a final clearance, so prices are reduced substantially.
Q5: Will WHSmith be reopening in other locations nearby?
A5: WHSmith is shifting focus to travel retail outlets in airports, hospitals, and railway stations but will not be reopening high street stores in Bournemouth.
Q6: How will these closures affect the local community?
A6: Many locals feel a sense of loss as WHSmith has been a high street staple for years. The closures impact convenience and local retail diversity but also create opportunities for new and independent businesses in Bournemouth.
Q7: Can I buy WHSmith products online if the stores are closing?
A7: Yes, WHSmith continues to operate online stores where you can purchase books, stationery, and other products for delivery.
Q8: Are these closing sales final? Can I find stock after the stores close?
A8: These sales are final clearance events. Once the stores close and stock is sold out, WHSmith will no longer supply in-store products in Bournemouth.
These FAQs address common concerns and provide useful information for anyone affected by or interested in the WHSmith Bournemouth closing sale.
