Major high street retailer with 1,100 branches to shut ANOTHER two shops following string of closures
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A MAJOR retailer with 1,100 branches is set to permanently shut two more shops following a string of other closures. WHSmith, the beloved British retailer known for its books, magazines, and stationery, has confirmed it is axing two more stores. The decision has sparked outrage among loyal customers and raised further concern about the future of Britain’s high streets.
![[A retail store owner in a coffee shop is seen turning the closed sign on the door's glass surface. The widespread closures of stores, and restaurants during the COVID-19 lockdown and quarantine period]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pd_GettyImages-1714135975jpg-JS888914774.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A branch in Mere Street, Diss, is the latest casualty, with a social media post confirming it closed down yesterday. The company blamed this particular closure on the forthcoming lease expiry, stating that it was “no longer sustainable” to keep the branch open.
![[a man walks past a store called whsmith]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2023-whsmith-store-windsor-smiths-868776069.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A spokesperson for WHSmith said: “We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Diss and would like to thank our customers for their support. "We are extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues, whom we will support during this transition and redeploy to nearby stores where possible.”.
Locals took to Facebook to share their sadness. One said: “Sad to see another store go,” while another said: “Another great loss.”. A third added: "I used to go every week to get my magazines, so sad to lose this gem". It’s a similar story in Newport, where the city's WHSmith branch on Commercial Street will close its doors in April.
