Forum Topic

WH Smith

Heard is shutting March.

Barbara Stevens ● 2841d17 Comments

I think that whole site, including where Starbucks were, going round the corner into Werter Rd is up for redevelopment.

Victoria Diamond ● 2840d

Signs up on shop window.

Adrian Pearce ● 2805d

Heard it was May but def closing we will be left with a very poor excuse for a High Street

Christine Bryan ● 2805d

Unfortunately the WH Smith and ex Starbucks sites are to become Natwest Bank. This is the same owner of the Metro Bank building. I don't think they tried to work with WH Smith to keep them which is unfortunate.

Graham Earl ● 2804d

Out of interest how many times do you shop at WH Smiths for stationary, books, etc? I am guessing that you all buy your books there instead of Amazon?

Emarisa Battoia ● 2804d

I buy quite a few things there, particularly diaries, some storage items, books from the store and books online because I try to avoid Amazon.There's still a Smiths in Richmond and one in Wimbledon - I think, as that was turfed out of its site to make way for Metro Bank. Given the questions about the bank's accounts, I wonder how long they'll be around, here or anywhere.As with M&S it will involve a little journey, whereas I used to walk to the shop. And my M&S purchases have shrivelled since they closed.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 2803d

I don't buy anything from M&S any more unless I happen to be in Kensington which has a good sized store. I do use Smiths for a variety of things: cards, gifts and stationery but not books as they have too  limited a choice. Most of the books I read are on an electronic device - easier to read and carry around when travelling.Smiths closure to make way for a bank is a loss for the High Street just as M&S (for food at least) has been as well as various clothing shops over the years.I'd rather not buy much online but lack of decent local shopping means I have to. It's easier than shlepping  bulky/heavy bags back from Richmond or Wimbledon.

Lucille Grant ● 2803d

If I want to buy clothes I normally go to M&S High Street Kensington (for more formal wear), there was too little choice in the Putney one, but I'm surprised M&S haven't opened a Simply Food in Putney.

Michael Ixer ● 2803d

With regard to stationery, there's Poundland, Rymans and, coming soon, Wilco? And Oxfam for cards.

Michael Ixer ● 2803d

Well this is my point, stationary there are the shops you mention as well as Rymans and Paperchase. Books - most people now buy on Amazon, or download a copy or, if choice is limited, go to WaterstonesTherefore the odd book sale, a diary at the start of the year and a pen, is really not enough to justify the cost of having an opens shop. That is the bottom line. So while you may not like the fact its making a way for a bank, unless you and many others shop there daily its common sense for it to close. Above the hike in rent and rates peoples buying habits are the main cause of these problems. Fact

Emarisa Battoia ● 2803d

It's more a matter of consumer choice Emarisa. Paperchase and Waterstones are more expensive ime. Rymans is a very uncomfortable shopping experience and we no longer have Clintons.The  hike in rents and business rates make it  more difficult than ever for High Street shops to compete with Amazon (who pay minimal tax)

Lucille Grant ● 2803d

Paperchase is also in trouble and is closing stores around the country so watch that space. Why is Rymans an uncomfortable experience, Lucille?

Jane Carter ● 2803d

Very much aware of Amazon and tax. Plus others. Which is why i don't order from there. My point was shops close as a result of not enough trade, and i don't think enough people shop in the Putney one to justify the cost of it being there. Simple economics, rightly or wrongly. And its very sad for all people who work there.

Emarisa Battoia ● 2803d

Jane, Rymans is small and pokey and difficult to move between the aisles!

Lucille Grant ● 2803d

Thanks Lucille. I agree. I thought you might have been referring to the staff there.

Jane Carter ● 2803d

Oh no - having worked in retail for much of my career I would never belittle retail staff!

Lucille Grant ● 2803d

Developers have now put in their plans for the Werter Road part as they assume the council will approve earlier proposals to redevelop the corner on the High Street plus WH Smith this month.It's application 2019/1474  The main details are in this if you copy and paste...https://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Report-5154539.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=5154539&location=VOLUME10&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=1

Adrian Pearce ● 2757d