Major high street retailer with 1,100 branches to close two more shops following string of closures
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AN iconic high street retailer has confirmed plans to close two more branches following a string of closures. The news comes as the company grapples with changing shopping habits and economic pressures. The WHSmith Haverhill branch, located at 19 High Street, is set to shut its doors for the final time on April 26, 2025.
![[Store closing sign in shop window.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mf5tdj-store-closing-sign-front-933698530.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A spokesperson for WHSmith explained the decision, citing the forthcoming lease expiry as a primary factor. “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Haverhill will be closing on Saturday, April 26, 2025,” the retailer said. “It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.
![[File photo dated 20/1/2015 of a WH Smith shop in Cambridge. Retailer WH Smith has notched up a 16% rise in annual profits as its travel arm continued to drive sales higher. The group reported underlying pre-tax profits of ¿166 million for the year to August 31, up from ¿143 million the previous year. Issue date: Thursday November 14, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story CITY WHSmith. Photo credit should read: Chris Radburn/PA Wire]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CITY-WHSmith-09294811jpg-JS949096765.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Haverhill and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us. "We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”.
One user posted to Facebook: "Such a shame this is happening.". Others agreed, adding: "This is genuinely so sad". Another local said: "Labours budget has a lot to answer for in the decline of high street shops. The closure of the WHSmith branch in Newtown has also been confirmed, with the store set to close in late February 2025.
