Another blow has been dealt to Rhyl’s high street, as WHSmith has announced the closure of its local store. The stationery giant, known for its presence in travel hubs and high street locations across the UK, will be shutting its doors in the Welsh seaside town for the final time in February 2025.
The closure comes as a disappointment to many locals who have long considered the store a fixture of their town center. WHSmith cited the approaching lease expiry and the store’s unsustainable operation as the primary reasons behind the decision. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the closure, stating that it was no longer viable to continue trading from that location.
The news of the closure has sparked a wave of sadness and frustration among Rhyl residents, who have witnessed a steady decline in retail options in recent years. This trend has been particularly noticeable since the pandemic, leaving many locals feeling a sense of loss for their beloved town center. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with some recalling fond memories of shopping at the store, browsing books, and enjoying time with loved ones. One Facebook user wrote, “Such a shame. Rhyl high street is ruined.” Another echoed this sentiment, sharing, “Spent many a happy Friday afternoon in there while my Grandkids picked their books, so sad to see this.”
This closure is just the latest in a string of high-profile retail exits from Rhyl and the surrounding area. Notably, health and beauty giant Boots closed its Station Road branch in Colwyn Bay earlier this year, marking one of 300 national closures. Colwyn Bay has also seen the closure of several other well-known brands, including New Look, Peacocks, Poundland, Subway, and Costcutter, highlighting the challenges faced by retail businesses in the region.
While WHSmith has been expanding its presence in airports, train stations, and motorway service areas, the company has also been scaling back its high street presence. This recent closure in Rhyl joins a list of other stores that have closed in recent months, including branches in Sale, Cheshire, and Slough, Berkshire. With more closures planned for 2025, including a store in March, Cambridgeshire set to shut its doors in January, the future of WHSmith on the high street remains uncertain.
The closure of the Rhyl store, coupled with the ongoing exodus of other retail brands, raises questions about the future of the high street in towns like Rhyl. As consumer shopping habits continue to evolve, businesses are grappling with the challenge of staying relevant and profitable in a changing retail landscape. The closure of WHSmith in Rhyl serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing high street retailers in the UK and the impact these closures have on local communities.