Is anyone else bereft at the thought of losing WHSmith from the high street (https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-14380565/WHSmith-shut-branches-new-owner-fears-major-job-losses.html)?
Yes, they have started to look a little tired lately, and nobody would ever think of launching such a business now, but I will sincerely regret the slow death of yet another long-established retailer of books, magazines, newspapers, and all manner of useful stuff that satisfies my addiction to stationery (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/01/i-would-be-sad-if-it-closed-shoppers-react-to-possible-loss-of-wh-smith). Every time I go into a branch I come out with something completely unnecessary, but highly satisfying – oooh, look: multicoloured rubber bands and paperclips! (I don’t get out much.)
Where else can I buy a sandwich and post a parcel, while perusing a will-making kit? What about all those towns that have no other bookshops? Don’t even get me started on the eventual fate of the Post Office counter: too much has happened to try and justify yet another blow to its role and the dignity of its staff.
Show some love for WHSmith: immediately rush into your nearest branch, purchase a box of chocolates, and share them with everyone behind the counter.
Just keep your hands off the highlighter pens – they’re MINE!