How do WH SMith stay in business?

[BigonaBianchi]

I had a £10 gift voucher so I headed into W H Smith like a kid at Christmas...only I couldn't see a single item in the shop I actually needed or really wanted...nothing. I searched high and low, and was even bold enough to ask the assistant for a book I had been recommended but the guy was clueless...not about the book, but about how to even go about finding out if they had it.

So I thought hat else can I blow this on...but after 40 minutes in there I still found nothing, not even anything I could get as a gift for someone else.

Finally I blew the lot on chocolate and left regretting ever going there because they put chcocolate in front of me when I dont want or need chocolate...arrgghh! But seriously, how do they stay afloat, the high street store must cost them a fortune and its almost impossible (for me anyway) to blow a tenner in there.

Ok....back to your lives...this isnt that important

 

[dan_bo]

Good point though.

 

[Dayvo]

In my home town, and probably many others, they have a post office in there.

 

[mcshroom]

I hear they sell a lot of chocolate

 

[Biker Joe]

I haven't had the need to visit W H Smiths in years. I'd almost forgotten they existed.

 

[Cycling Dan]

They to my knowledge are very tough on suppliers and bulk by so benefit from economies of scale but more they run down the prices of their suppliers. Also just because you didn't need anything does not mean others are the same.
Airports seems to be the backbone of their business.

 

[HorTs]

I don't know anywhere else on the highstreet that has such a wide range of magazines.

Also in smaller towns I guess they thrive where a dedicated news agents/book shop/stationers wouldn't be able to.

 

[Maz]

[QUOTE 2698340, member: 45"]Photo albums.[/quote]
And Pick 'n' Mix.

 

[tadpole]

school stuff for kids.

 

[ayceejay]

I was in W.H Smug in Guildford looking for a book I needed to study but I couldn't find it. There was a young lady standing by looking knowledgeable -
"Excuse me,"I said, "I am looking for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, I have looked in literature and religion, where else should I try?"
She said, without missing a beat and with a sneer "Well (huff) if it is the imitation of Christ it is hardly likely be in religion is it?" and walked off.
Oh and once I was given a £40 Boots voucher, what a nightmare.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

A propelling pencil, one should never be without one.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I like their choice of magazines but it's rare I buy much else in there.
I like reading and have varied interests including photography, cookery etc but I resent paying so much for new books

 

[Fnaar]

2x cycling mags with freebies attached
1x £10 token
1 bar of chocolate
1 book

That's all I've bought from Smiffs in the last decade, I reckon.

 

[Over The Hill]

I went in and asked the assistant to show me where the books on self help were. She said find it yourself.

 

[gary r]

they stay in business as they have retail outlets in all the main railway stations & airports.that keeps them afloat