WHSmith

WHSmith is a British retailer that operates a chain of High Street, railway station, airport, hospital, and motorway service station shops selling books, stationery, magazines, newspapers, and entertainment products. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The company was the first chain store company in the world and was responsible for the creation of the ISBN book catalog system. WHSmith’s travel business operates 586 units, mainly in airports, railway stations, motorway service areas, hospitals, and workplaces, primarily in the U.K. Its travel stores sell a tailored range of products, to cater to people on the move or in need of a convenience offer. It's High Street business sells a wide range of products, which are divided into four categories such as stationery, books, and news and impulse, as well as a small offer of entertainment products in some stores. High Street’s trading is seasonal, peaking at Christmas, with other peaks at Easter and in August and September for the ‘Back to School’ range. WHSmith was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Data last updated: June 2026