Dark and dingy' or a real loss'? Shoppers react to possible loss of WH Smith
Briefly

The WH Smith branch in Stevenage exemplifies the broader crisis facing retail in Britain, with only two staff working and shoppers utilizing automated tills. Located in a once-thriving shopping center, the store's decline mirrors the growing vacancy rates of local shops. As WH Smith's parent company considers selling its high street stores to focus on travel outlets, the future of its 5,000 employees remains uncertain. Locals express concern about the impact of the store's closure on community trade, highlighting its importance for access to everyday items and services.
The potential closure of WH Smith in Stevenage highlights the challenges faced by local communities, relying heavily on remaining retail options as vacancies rise.
With falling sales and a transition towards travel-focused investments, WH Smith's future in smaller towns looks bleak, threatening local economies reliant on its presence.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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