WH Smith boss defends Newtown store closure

The boss of WH Smith high street stores has blamed the changes to shopping habits as the reason for the closure of its store in Newtown.

The shop in High Street is the oldest in the WH Smith chain and was first opened in 1927 where it has remained ever since along with a museum on the first floor.

Last week, Montgomeryshire's Senedd Member, Russell George urged the company's bosses to reconsider the closure.

He blamed excessive car parking charges by Powys County Council as one of the reasons for the demise of the store and the town centre.

In response, Sean Toal, Managing Director of WH Smith High Street, said: "First, I would like to make it clear that closing any store is never easy and we do not take these decisions lightly. WHSmith in Newtown has been an important store for the business and has served as a reminder of our proud history since it was restored to its original condition over fifty years ago. 

"Just as importantly, we also recognise the role it has played in serving the local community for many years.
"As I am sure you will be aware, high streets across the UK are significantly challenged, and our store in Newtown has experienced declining sales for a number of years and is loss making."

He added: "Our High Street business remains an important part of the Group, however we need to ensure our store estate reflects how customers are shopping today, and that we are in locations where our presence is sustainable over the long term. This requires difficult but necessary decisions, and regrettably includes the closure of our Newtown store early next year.
"With regards to the small museum within the store, the decision to close this area of the building to the public had already been taken previously, given the low number of visitors. 

"The process of protecting and removing the items of value and special interest is underway and these will be rehomed either at our High Street support centre in Swindon, or the at the WHSmith Archive at Reading University which has an extensive collection of WHSmith material already available to the public. "In addition, and as part of the closure process, we will be discussing how we can support the preservation of the historic fixtures and fittings with the landlords responsible for the building. As a responsible business, proud of our heritage and history, we want to ensure that these are protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy."