WHSmith is a staple British retailer known for its wide range of books, stationery, magazines, snacks, and travel essentials. As one of the most recognized high street and travel retail chains in the UK, knowing the store opening times across various locations is important for shoppers planning their visits. Whether you are popping in for last-minute gifts, stationery, or a newspaper, this comprehensive 2025 guide will let you know everything about WHSmith’s opening hours, variations by location, recent business changes, and helpful tips to make the most of your shopping experience.
What Are the Typical WHSmith Opening Hours?
The opening times of WHSmith stores in 2025 vary widely depending on the location type — whether it’s a high street outlet, airport, train station, hospital, or motorway service area. Here’s a general overview:
- High Street Stores: Most traditional WHSmith shops in shopping centres and town centres operate roughly from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays, typically around 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Travel Retail Locations (Airports, Railway Stations): These stores open much earlier, often between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and stay open later — some until 9:00 PM or even 10:00 PM to cater to travellers.
- Motorway Service Areas & Hospitals: Similar to travel retail, these outlets often follow extended hours, opening early and closing late to serve people on the move.
- Smaller or Franchise Outlets: Depending on local demand, these establishments may have custom hours that range from early morning to early evening.
For instance, the WHSmith in Victoria Place, a major travel hub, may be open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while the WHSmith in a city centre shopping mall may be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Recent Changes in WHSmith Store Presence
In 2025, WHSmith has undergone significant changes in its retail approach. The company is focussing on expanding its travel retail sector and fortifying its position in train stations, airports, and hospitals in an effort to boost foot traffic and income. However, Modella Capital purchased its high street retail division. This means:
- In early 2025, over 17 high street stores in different UK towns were scheduled to close.
- The new owners will rename the high street stores they sell as TGJones.
- WHSmith brand remains very strong in travel retail, with over 1,200 locations in airports, railway stations, hospitals, and motorway services continuing under the WHSmith name.
- It’s possible that some shops located within transportation hubs will open later than regular main street merchants.
This shift reflects broader retail trends that prioritise transit convenience and high street store simplicity.
Why Do WHSmith Store Hours Vary?
Several factors influence how and when WHSmith stores open and close:
- Location Type: Travel retail locations cater to early commuters and late travellers, so they operate longer hours than standard high street shops.
- Local Demand: Stores in busy urban centres may open earlier or close later during peak seasons or holidays.
- Building/Shopping Centre Policies: Stores inside malls or complexes align with overall centre opening hours, which can affect store access.
- Staffing and Operational Efficiency: WHSmith optimizes its schedules to balance customer needs and operational costs, especially following restructuring.
How to Check Your Local WHSmith Opening Times?
Since times can vary by branch and season, the best ways to verify your local WHSmith’s opening hours are:
- Visit the official WHSmith website or app and use their store locator tool.
- Examine the business listings on Google Maps, which frequently include the most recent hours of operation.
- Call the store directly.
- Check shopping centre websites if the store is part of a mall or transit hub.
Tips for Shopping at WHSmith
- If you need something early in the morning or late at night, opt for WHSmith stores in airports or railway stations as they have extended hours.
- Take advantage of WHSmith’s online shopping for stationery, gifts, and books, especially for out-of-hours needs.
- Check for sales and clearance, especially if a store is marked for closure.
- Use the Post Office services often found inside WHSmith high street stores.
Real-Life Context
Imagine you’re rushing for a train early in the morning and need a newspaper or travel snacks. A WHSmith in a railway station open from 6:00 AM ensures you won’t miss out. However, if you’re shopping on a Sunday in a town centre, expect restricted hours, possibly opening only at 10:00 AM and closing by mid-afternoon. These variations are important to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About WHSmith Opening Times
1. Are WHSmith high street stores open on Sundays?
Yes, but typically for shorter hours like 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
2. Do WHSmith airports and train stations open earlier than high street stores?
Yes, travel retail locations often open as early as 6:00 AM and stay open until 9:00 PM or later.
3. Has WHSmith closed many of its high street stores recently?
Yes, several high street stores closed or are planned to close in 2025 as the company focuses more on travel retail.
4. Can I buy from WHSmith online 24/7?
Yes, WHSmith’s online store is open 24 hours for orders.
5. Will WHSmith still be operating in hospitals?
Yes, WHSmith has multiple hospital locations that operate with varying hours, often longer than high street shops.
Final Thoughts
WHSmith opening times in 2025 depend largely on store type and location. Whether you’re in town shopping at one of their high street stores with traditional daytime hours or in a bustling airport shop open early and late, planning your visit according to opening hours ensures a smooth experience. The company’s strategic pivot to travel retail means longer and more convenient hours in transport hubs. For the most accurate info, always check your local store’s schedule beforehand.
For related fascinating UK stories and cultural insights, delve into these:
- Uncover hidden truths in the UK’s most talked-about case in Lucy Letby Documentary Channel
- Step into the drama and mystery of Channel 5’s hit series The Castaways Channel 5 Cast
- Discover the controversy behind celebrity headlines in Marnie Simpson OnlyFans Leak
- Read the shocking account of a bizarre medical incident in Cockroach in Human Body
- See why a unique biscuit is creating buzz across the UK in Sports Biscuits UK 2025
- Dive into the history and flavours of a beloved snack brand in Snackrite
- Check the fascinating story and value of a rare collector’s coin in Jemima Puddle Duck 50p
- Understand the cultural buzzword everyone’s talking about in Echo Bar Meaning & Trends
Stay informed on UK governance and services at UK Government Official Site
Catch up on UK news with BBC News
About the Author
