• WHSmith is exploring the sale of its high street arm, which includes around 500 stores

• The company has shifted its focus to its more profitable travel retail business in airports, train stations, and hospitals

• The high street arm contributes just 15% of the group’s annual trading profit

• A sale could impact the future of Post Offices currently operating within WHSmith stores

• WHSmith recently announced plans to close 17 stores, with more closures expected in the coming years

An icon of the British high street is in discussions to sell its high street division.

WHSmith’s high street business, comprising around 500 stores, has a history dating back 230 years to the opening of its first shop.

“WHSmith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the group, including a possible sale,” a statement said.

Over the past decade, the company has shifted its focus to its more profitable travel retail division, which operates in airports, train stations, and hospitals.

Currently, the high street segment contributes just 15% of the group’s annual trading profit.

“Over the past decade, WHSmith has become a focused global travel retailer,” the statement continued.

“The group’s travel business has over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, and three-quarters of the group’s revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the travel business.”

For the year ending August 31, WHSmith reported an underlying pre-tax profit of £166 million, up from £143 million the previous year.

What does it mean for Post Offices?

If WHSmith moves forward with selling its high street division, it could lead to significant changes for its stores and associated services, such as Post Offices.

Under an ownership change, stores may be sold to another retailer or investment group, which could decide to rebrand, restructure, or close underperforming locations.

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If any new owner finds some stores unviable, closures could follow, particularly in areas with low foot traffic or high operating costs.

A potential buyer could also repurpose or reposition the stores, potentially moving away from WHSmith's traditional offering of books, stationery, and magazines to something more aligned with their business model.

Of course, nothing has been confirmed at this time, and WHSmith has said it is simply “exploring potential strategic options”.

“There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached,” its statement said, “and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.”

The fate of Post Offices housed within WHSmith stores would largely depend on the buyer’s plans and any agreements with Post Office Ltd. If the new owner does not wish to continue hosting Post Offices, closures or relocations might occur.

If stores housing Post Offices were to close or undergo significant changes, local communities could face a temporary or permanent loss of access to postal services in those areas, which would be especially impactful in rural or underserved regions.

The Post Office may need to find alternative locations for its branches currently within WHSmith stores, which could lead to partnerships with other retailers or stand-alone Post Office branches being established.

Again, it’s too early to predict exact outcomes, but a sale of the WHSmith’s high street division would likely bring uncertainty to stores and the Post Offices they house.

In recent years, WHSmith’s focus has intensified on its travel retail division, which has become the core of the company’s success.

With the high street business potentially sold off, the travel retail division, with over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, could see more international expansion, particularly in airports, train stations, and hospitals, where foot traffic is higher and more lucrative.

Which stores are closing?

Last week, WHSmith revealed it is set to close 17 stores in the coming months. The retailer has been gradually reducing its footprint, having already closed numerous stores since 2023.

The latest round of closures, scattered across the country, will take place between now and May.

Read more: WHSmith: iconic high street newsagent brand closing 17 shops amid restructuring

The announcement follows a statement from November in which the company revealed plans to close up to 20 locations annually over the next three years.

At the same time, the brand is preparing to expand, with 90 new stores planned for opening during this period.

The full list of WHSmith store closures is as follows:

• Accrington, Lancashire - March 15 

• Basingstoke, Hampshire - February 1 

• Bolton, Greater Manchester - February 

• Diss, Norfolk - April 

• Halesowen, West Midlands - April 

• Halstead, Essex - April 

• Haverhill, Suffolk - April 26

• Luton, Bedfordshire - January 18 

• March, Cambridgeshire - January 25

• Newport, Isle of Wight - April 

• Newtown, Powys - February 15 

• Oldham, Greater Manchester - May 

• Orpington, Greater London 

• Rhyl, Denbighshire - February 15 

• Stockton, County Durham - May 

• Winton, Bournemouth - February 15

Many of the stores set to close have launched "everything-must-go" sales, so if one is shutting near you, it might be worth checking it out for some great deals.

What do you think about WHSmith's potential sale of its high street arm? How do you feel this might impact local communities and the future of Post Offices within the stores? Share your thoughts in the comments section.