WHSmith to close Welshpool store

WHSmith has confirmed that it will be shutting its Welshpool store next year.

The national chain has been a long-term feature on the town’s high street, but said that it will leave when its lease expires in March 2021.

The retailer said it will be looking to redeploy staff, and has not indicated how many jobs will be affected.

It is the second big name to recently call time on Welshpool with Edinburgh Woollen Mill also pulling the plug due to its parent company running into financial trouble.

“We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Welshpool will close in March 2021 when our lease expires,” said a company spokesperson.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.

“As one of the largest supporters of the UK high street, we are disappointed to be losing our presence in Welshpool 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.”

Town planners will be keen to attract a new store to the location, especially with the NatWest building opposite still laying empty after its closure several years ago.