WH Smith to discuss 'preservation' of historic shop fittings as it confirms 'disappointing' closure
WH Smith says it will discuss the preservation of its historic Newtown shop after confirming its plans to close the store.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The retailer has been based at the same premises on Newtown's High Street since 1927.
The store also extends to part of a unit inside the Bear Lanes shopping centre.
But after nearly a century in the town bosses at the firm have confirmed the closure, which they say will take place 'early next year'.
A spokesman for WH Smith said that the decision was "regrettable" but that it was "no longer sustainable" to run the shop.
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.
Confirming its decision over the future of the shop, the WH Smith spokesman said they would hold discussions with the building's landlords over how it could "support" the preservation of the historic fixtures and fittings.
He said: "WH Smith in Newtown will be closing early next year. We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Newtown, however, regrettably, it is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location.
"We would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.
"As part of the closure process, we will also be discussing how we can support the preservation of the historic fixtures and fittings with the landlords responsible for the building for future generations to enjoy.”
Community group, Open Newtown, which revealed the news last week, has asked the firm to reconsider.
It 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."
