WHSmith is a name most Brits know well—whether for picking up a newspaper at the station, grabbing stationery for school, or shopping for books and travel essentials at the airport. As one of the UK’s most recognised high street and travel retail brands, it’s not surprising that questions around WHSmith opening times, especially on Sundays in 2025, have drawn attention.
In a retail landscape that’s constantly evolving due to customer demand, shifting footfall, and regulatory pressure, WHSmith’s opening hours are not static. Shoppers who depend on Sunday visits—particularly at travel hubs and high streets—are understandably curious. Are WHSmith Sunday opening times being cut, extended, or staying the same?
This guide breaks down the facts around WHSmith’s trading hours in 2025, including current trends, Sunday-specific updates, and what to expect across different types of stores.
Understanding WHSmith’s Store Types
To understand WHSmith’s opening hours, it’s essential to first grasp that not all WHSmiths are alike. The retailer operates across four key store categories:
- High Street Stores – These are the traditional WHSmith shops found in town centres and on high streets. They often carry books, magazines, stationery, and basic tech.
- Travel Stores – These operate in train stations, motorway service areas, and airports. Their stock is often tailored to travellers and includes snacks, travel accessories, and last-minute reads.
- Hospital and Campus Stores – Designed for convenience, these shops serve staff, patients, students, and visitors.
- Franchise Stores – Often in smaller locations like petrol stations or convenience shops, operating with different local management rules.
Each of these store types has its own operating model, meaning WHSmith opening times—particularly on Sundays—can vary widely depending on location, footfall, and legal trading restrictions.
Are Sunday Opening Hours Changing in 2025?
As of July 2025, there is no company-wide announcement from WHSmith about a sweeping change to Sunday hours across all locations. However, that doesn’t mean things are staying the same everywhere.
Several factors are leading to gradual changes in Sunday operations, including:
- Staffing shortages brought on by the larger retail workforce deficit in the UK
- Reduced Sunday footfall in non-travel locations
- Operational cost-saving efforts amid rising energy and business rates
- Local council pressures and landlord decisions affecting store lease and hours
So, while the company hasn’t imposed a national rule about Sunday closures or changes, localised adjustments are becoming increasingly common—particularly in high street and small-town locations where Sunday trading may no longer be commercially viable.
Typical WHSmith Opening Hours in 2025
Here’s a general overview of how WHSmith opening hours are structured in 2025:
High Street Stores
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM or closed altogether in lower footfall towns
Travel Stores (Train Stations and Airports)
- Daily: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM or longer
- Sundays: Often open earlier due to high travel volumes, especially at airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester
Hospital and University Stores
- Hours tend to mirror hospital or campus activity
- Some open 7 days a week; others operate on reduced Sunday schedules (e.g., 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Franchise Locations (e.g., within petrol stations)
- Hours depend on the host store’s schedule
- Many operate extended hours, including Sundays, sometimes up to 10:00 PM
It’s important to remember that Sunday trading regulations in England and Wales limit big retailers (those with more than 280 square metres) to six hours of Sunday trading, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. which influences many of WHSmith’s larger branches. In Scotland, these rules do not apply, allowing some stores there to remain open longer.
Regional Variations in 2025
The landscape of WHSmith opening times varies greatly across the UK.
In London, particularly central and transport-heavy areas like Victoria Station, Paddington, and King’s Cross, most WHSmith stores remain open on Sundays with robust hours to serve commuters and tourists. These stores often have higher staffing levels and greater revenue potential, so Sunday trade remains strong.
In quieter high streets across smaller towns and rural areas—such as Kent, Shropshire, and North Wales—WHSmith has noticeably reduced Sunday hours or ceased Sunday trading altogether. Many branches now operate on shorter schedules, like 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, as part of a broader effort to cut operational costs.
In Scotland, stores in cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh often enjoy more flexible Sunday schedules due to different trading regulations. WHSmith stores in Scotland can, and often do, open earlier and close later than their counterparts in England and Wales.
Is WHSmith Moving Towards More Online Trade?
As foot traffic patterns change, especially post-COVID, WHSmith has placed greater emphasis on online ordering, particularly for books, stationery, and gifting. However, the in-store experience is still core to their brand. Despite its online offerings, WHSmith does not operate as a fully digital-first business. Sunday closures in some locations do not signal a digital pivot but rather a pragmatic adaptation to evolving customer behaviour and local economics. That said, WHSmith’s website has enhanced delivery options in 2025, with same-day delivery now available in select urban postcodes for stationery and bestsellers—helping to bridge any gaps caused by reduced in-store availability.
How to Check Your Local WHSmith’s Opening Times
To avoid frustration, it’s wise to double-check your local WHSmith’s opening hours, particularly on Sundays, as schedules can shift with little notice due to local events, staff shortages, or public holidays.
In 2025, the best ways to do this include:
- WHSmith Store Locator: The company’s website includes an up-to-date store locator that offers real-time opening times by postcode or town.
- Google Maps Listings: WHSmith actively manages its business hours on Google, with Sunday-specific updates, holiday changes, and alerts when a store is closed unexpectedly.
- Contacting the Store Directly: For branches inside travel hubs or hospitals, it’s best to call directly, as their hours can differ significantly from high street shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are WHSmith stores open on Sundays in 2025?
Most are, but it depends on the location. High street shops may close or reduce hours, while travel and hospital stores often remain open with longer Sunday hours.
Have WHSmith’s Sunday hours changed recently?
Some stores have shortened Sunday hours in quieter locations due to staffing shortages and reduced footfall. There’s no blanket change nationwide, but local changes are common.
Is WHSmith open early on Sundays at train stations or airports?
Yes. WHSmith travel stores typically open early (from around 6:00 AM) every day, including Sundays, to serve commuters and holidaymakers.
Can I shop from WHSmith online on Sundays?
Absolutely. WHSmith’s website operates 24/7 and offers next-day or even same-day delivery in some areas, especially for books, tech, and stationery.
How can I confirm my local WHSmith’s opening times?
Use WHSmith’s official store locator, check Google Maps for the most recent updates, or contact the store directly for the latest Sunday schedule.
Final Thoughts
While WHSmith opening times in 2025 haven’t seen a company-wide Sunday overhaul, local variations are shaping the shopper experience more than ever. Some high street branches are reducing Sunday hours or even closing altogether due to footfall changes, while travel and hospital stores remain reliably open seven days a week. For shoppers, this means it’s more important than ever to double-check your local store’s hours—especially if you’re heading out on a Sunday. Whether you’re after travel essentials, last-minute school supplies, or a new bestseller, WHSmith remains a key retail presence in the UK. But like all retailers, it’s adjusting to the times—literally.
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