WH Smith set to close historic shop which has served town for nearly 100 years

The retailer is planning to shut its Newtown shop, which has been based at the same premises on High Street since 1927, in the new year, according to the community group Open Newtown.

The shop has been a fixture of the town's retail scene and the announcement highlights the difficulties faced by towns continuing to rebalance in an era where online shopping dominates.

The store has an entrance onto High Street but the shop extends into Bear Lanes shopping precinct, also taking up one of the centre's units.

The shop is particularly unique because it retains the company's original fittings - and was the only one not updated by the firm in the 1970s, with the intention that it would serve as a living museum, to show how the shops previously looked.

The store also has a museum upstairs detailing the history of the company, and a number of exhibits.

Open Newtown said it had contacted WH Smith to ask the firm to reconsider the decision.

It has also urged the public to consider using the shop - rather than buying online. 

Writing on social media the group said: "Yesterday we learned the incredibly sad news that WH Smith Newtown is due to close in the New Year. 

"Today we have written to WH Smith CEO and Chair, imploring them to reconsider this decision and consider a short-term lease at least.

"This heritage property is a living museum, restored in the 1970s to reflect how it looked when it first opened in 1927. 

"It is unique. Before purchasing your next book online, or in a major supermarket, please consider using this shop, making good use of the clearance offer at least and giving the decision makers strong reason to reconsider."

The Newtown website details the history of the store, stating: "The Newtown branch of WH Smith at 24 High Street is a unique surprise among the company’s many shops.

"In the 1970’s a major modernisation programme of WH Smith’s outlets was in progress. It was decided that just one shop should be conserved as a living example of how all Smiths had previously looked.

"Newtown branch had not been altered very much over the years, so it was an ideal location. The shop was restored to its original condition – as it would have been when first opened in 1927.

"Modern fittings and fixtures were removed to reveal the original tiles, mirrors and decorations, still in good condition. Oak shelving was restored, replacement tables to display books were created, underfloor heating installed, and the tube lighting was replaced by specially made 1920’s style of fittings.

"The restoration was a great success and attracted a lot of interested visitors. Three years later the company museum was established upstairs, on the first floor, in a space that was once a W. H. Smith Lending Library."

WH Smith has been contacted for comment.