How are WHSmith still in business?

ses6jwg

Does anyone know?

As far as I can tell everything in their stores is overpriced.

Books are cheaper in Tesco and on Amazon.

CDs, Games, DVDs are grossly overpriced.

Chocolate, drinks, sweets are all about 10-20% more expensive than in Tesco or Wilkinsons.

Stationary is overpriced compared to Pound Shops or Wilkinsons.

The only good thing about the place that I can see is they have one of the largest selections of educational and non-fiction books on the High Street.

System

and when you make a purchase:-

*do you want any half price chocolate

*do you want any half price drinks

*your change and your receipt and your 5%coupon are dumped in your hand whilst you are attempting to put your purchase away as you won't be given a carrier.

biscit

ses6jwg wrote: »

The only good thing about the place that I can see is they have one of the largest selections of educational and non-fiction books on the High Street.

I see where you're coming from. This is very much where Wolworths were, in fact I see Wilkinsons as wolworths done properly.

But I also find Borders and Waterstones far better for books too!

garthdp

biscit wrote: »

I see where you're coming from. This is very much where Wolworths were, in fact I see Wilkinsons as wolworths done properly.

But I also find Borders and Waterstones far better for books too!

....and we all know what has happened to Borders

woohoo_postingid

I'm amazed by how WHS is still going. When I was young it was my favourite shop as it had everything you could ever want as a child !!

Honestly can't remember the last thing I bought in there - probably a newspaper.

The_Hallowed_Way

It's a good question. Apart from the occasional magazine which I can't get anywhere else, I never buy stuff there.

Yet, if you go to my local branch on a Saturday, there's usually a queue at the checkouts which is half the length of the shop. The bookshop (which is a separate shop) is also well patronised, so there are clearly sufficient people who like the store. And now that Borders has gone t--- up they'll only get an even bigger market share.

DrScotsman

I wanted a certain textbook back in February, new revision was coming out in June and as a result, you couldn't get the current revision anywhere new OR second hand (except from the Amazon Marketplace for 5x the price). WHSmith's website had it for a decent price, available in 1-2 weeks. I knew this was a bit strange, so I placed the order but didn't hold my breath for it to arrive. If I was expecting it to arrive, I would consider the service I got completely pathetic:

Placed the order on 24th February. Many weeks later, asked where it was and got "After checking your order with our supplier I can advise that they are expecting the book in around 22nd March from the publisher. This is, however, an estimated date as we cannot guarantee that a further delay will not occur."

Later on my order page the name of the book changed to "Product Not Available"! Emailed them and got "After checking your order with our supplier I can advise that they are expecting stock of this book in around 6th April. This is, however, an estimated date."

Eventually on the 27th of April "Due to issues outside of our control it is with regret that I have to inform you that your order ref xxx has been cancelled." No decency to even tell me what's gone on.

So to answer the OP's question, I have no idea why these guys are still in business, especially since I still got paid cashback on that order!!

FatAndy

garthdp wrote: »

....and we all know what has happened to Borders

Hot off the press - http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jTRzpjEZQsE6RqCEN19GpBGplzMg


Regards Smiths I used to spend half my life in there when I was younger, these days I barely set foot in there. The main attraction for me was always the entertainment section which no longer seems to exist. If I'm after books they're cheaper in Asda, Tesco or The Works. There's also a great little bookshop called Bookwise in Llandudno near to where I live which is far cheaper than Smiths. Stationary is cheaper in Home Bargains or the supermarkets. Have to agree there's no point to Smiths anymore and unless they make serious changes soon they appear to be doomed.

ses6jwg

I know SmithsNews supply most newsagents and other shops - perhaps this is propping up the retail arm

bap98189

ses6jwg wrote: »

The only good thing about the place that I can see is they have one of the largest selections of educational and non-fiction books on the High Street.

I think you have just answered your own question. They are on the high street, which is convenient for people out shopping. Tesco, Adsda etc. are not convenient as they are generally situated out of town. They are also in railway stations, and similar places. We are paying extra for the convenience.

I buy bits and pieces from WH Smith, which I know are available cheaper elsewhere, because I am passing. I walk past WH Smith every day. I could get them from say Tesco, but that would mean getting into my car and driving about 3 miles, then waiting at a checkout for 5 mins.

ses6jwg

You know when a company starts harassing you with "1/2 price" offers on items such as chocolate and drinks at the tills, they are not in good shape.

Woolworths started doing this in 2007 when I was working there.