Few retailers have stood the test of time quite like WHSmith. Established in 1792, the company began as a small news vendor in London and grew into one of the UK’s most recognizable high street names. For over two centuries, it has been the go-to place for books, magazines, stationery, and travel essentials—a trusted companion for both everyday shoppers and busy travelers.
But in 2025, WHSmith turned a new page in its story, marking a significant shift in focus while still holding on to its heritage.
TL;DR
WHSmith, one of Britain’s oldest retailers, is transitioning from high street dominance to becoming a global travel retail powerhouse. Its high street stores have been rebranded under the new name TGJones, while WHSmith itself continues to thrive in airports, train stations, and hospitals around the world. Customers love its convenience and trusted product range, though some express nostalgia for the name disappearing from high streets.
A Legacy Spanning Centuries
WHSmith’s history is rich with innovation:
- 1792: Founded in London as a news vendor.
- 1848: Opened the first railway station bookstall at Euston, revolutionizing travel retail.
- 20th century: Expanded into books, stationery, and gifts, becoming a staple of British high streets.
- 21st century: Shifted strategy toward travel retail while maintaining high street presence—until 2025, when that chapter closed with the sale and rebrand to TGJones.
This evolution showcases WHSmith’s ability to adapt to changing consumer needs while retaining its reputation for accessibility and trust.
The New Chapter: TGJones on the High Street
In March 2025, WHSmith sold its UK high street division to Modella Capital, leading to the creation of TGJones. Though the name changed, the stores remain familiar—still offering books, stationery, toys, gifts, and Post Office services. The move allows WHSmith to sharpen its focus on travel retail, where it already excels.
For customers, TGJones ensures continuity, while WHSmith channels its energy into growing globally in airports, stations, and healthcare hubs.
WHSmith Today: A Travel Retail Powerhouse
WHSmith’s strategy centers on being the ultimate convenience stop for travelers. Its stores can be found in:
- Airports (UK and worldwide)
- Railway stations
- Motorway service stations
- Hospitals
In 2024, the brand launched Smiths Family Kitchen, its own in-house food range, and opened a flagship travel store at Birmingham Airport. It now operates in more than 30 countries, proving that the WHSmith name is still growing, just on a different stage.
Why People Still Choose WHSmith
- Convenience at Travel Hubs: Perfect for last-minute snacks, travel pillows, or reading material before a journey.
- Heritage & Trust: Customers know they’ll find the essentials at WHSmith—just as their parents and grandparents did.
- Product Variety: From bestselling novels to travel adaptors, stationery, and gifts, WHSmith continues to cover the essentials.
- Global Reach: Travelers worldwide can spot a WHSmith store in airports, offering a sense of familiarity abroad.
Customer Reviews: Real Voices
Emily, London:
WHSmith has always been my stop for books before a holiday. Even in airports abroad, it feels like a little piece of home.
Daniel, Manchester:
I’ll miss seeing WHSmith on the high street, but their travel shops are excellent—always stocked with exactly what I need.
Sophie, Birmingham:
I tried their new Smiths Family Kitchen range at the airport and was pleasantly surprised—it’s fresh and convenient.
Tips for Shopping with WHSmith
- Plan Ahead: For gifts or specialty items, order online to avoid last-minute airport rush.
- Use Loyalty Schemes: WHSmith often provides deals for frequent travelers—check online before flying.
- Gift Cards: Existing WHSmith cards are still valid at TGJones and travel locations—double-check expiry dates.
- Look Out for Food Options: The new Smiths Family Kitchen range is expanding, especially in travel hubs.
The Bottom Line
WHSmith may have closed a chapter on its high street story, but its spirit of convenience, trust, and heritage lives on in travel retail. Whether you’re boarding a plane, catching a train, or waiting in a hospital, WHSmith is there with the essentials that make your journey smoother.
The high street may now know it as TGJones, but the WHSmith legacy is far from over—it’s simply moving with the times.
WHSmith: 233 years of heritage, reimagined for the traveler of today.
FAQs
Q1: Why did WHSmith leave the high street?
To focus on its most profitable segment—travel retail—WHSmith sold its high street stores in 2025, which were rebranded as TGJones.
Q2: What is TGJones?
TGJones is the new brand name for former WHSmith high street stores, continuing to offer stationery, books, gifts, and Post Office services.
Q3: Is WHSmith still operating?
Yes—WHSmith remains active in travel retail, with outlets across airports, stations, and hospitals in the UK and worldwide.
Q4: Can I still use my WHSmith gift cards?
Yes—gift and eGift cards remain valid at TGJones and WHSmith travel stores until at least mid-2026.
Q5: What new services has WHSmith introduced?
In 2024, WHSmith launched its own food range and opened larger, more experiential travel stores to improve customer experience.
