Another Blow for High Street Chains
WHSmith, the popular high street chain with 1,400 branches, is set to close another store, leaving Aberdeen shoppers disappointed. The store in Union Street, Aberdeen city centre, will be shutting down in the coming weeks. This closure adds to the long list of high street chains that have had to shutter their shops recently.
Unsustainable Location
A spokesperson for WHSmith stated that trading from the Aberdeen location is no longer sustainable, leading to the difficult decision to close the store in February. In-store colleagues will be supported during this transition and will be redeployed to nearby stores, where possible. The company remains committed to serving the local Aberdeen community from other nearby stores, including in the St Nicholas centre.
Devastation for Local Residents
The news of the closure has devastated local residents, who have relied on the store for many years. One 74-year-old man expressed his disappointment, recalling the shop's history dating back to the 60s. Another local pensioner expressed concerns about the distance she will have to travel to reach the nearest remaining Post Office, which she relies on for communication with her family and friends.
Call for New Post Office
North East MSP Liam Kerr is urging the government to open a new Post Office elsewhere in the area. He emphasized the importance of local Post Office counters, not just for mail services, but also for vital face-to-face services, including finance, as banks continue to withdraw from Aberdeen.
More Closures in Recent Months
The Union Street store in Aberdeen is the latest in a series of WHSmith branches to close over the past year. The company previously announced the closure of stores in Alfreton, Ramsgate, Bicester, and Newcastle-under-Lyme. WHSmith's focus is now on UK airports and train stations, as well as expanding in the US and Europe.
Impact of Online Shopping
WHSmith's closure is just one example of the challenges faced by UK retailers due to the increasing popularity of online shopping. Both small and large businesses have felt the impact of this shift away from physical stores. Other well-known brands that have recently collapsed include Wilko, Paperchase, and M&Co.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/money/three-common-thermostat-errors-that-could-be-costing-you-money/
