WHSmith and Homebase to close multiple UK stores

WHSmith and Homebase have announced plans to close multiple stores in the UK. The closures will take place between March and May as both companies adjust to changing consumer habits and economic difficulties. Homebase will close 18 locations this month. Despite this, the company is also planning to open 14 new stores and five more within Range stores. The closing Homebase locations include Farnham, Truro, Basingstoke, and several others across England and Wales. WHSmith is set to close 20 stores, focusing more on its profitable travel outlets in airports and train stations. The company has already reduced its number of high street locations and attributes the closures to fewer shoppers and rising costs. The Doncaster branch, open for 57 years, is among those closing. The WHSmith closures will occur in places like Halstead, Halesowen, and Oldham, with the Doncaster store closing at the end of May. Earlier this year, WHSmith also closed stores in various towns including Bournemouth and Luton.