Stroud’s WH Smith could be sold off as the retailers looks to sell its entire high street business in Britain.
A staple of Stroud’s King Street shopping scene the popular store has served generations of customers in the town. The company comprises roughly of 500 stores, employing about 5,000 people across the country.
WH Smith’s high street division, which recorded flat operating profit of £32m last year, still largely sells greeting cards, books and stationery, while the travel arm has a wider offering of food and drink, and technology products.
WH Smith’s first store was opened in 1792 by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna in Little Grosvenor Street, London.
WH Smith will confirm the plan to the London Stock Exchange on Monday morning.
