How are WHSmith still in business?

Money_maker

Online -ordered a Wii controller (very basic stock item) on 29th October. Finally they sent an email yesterday to advise it had been despatched.

Had this trouble with them online before - be warned if you are ordering for Christmas (2009).

reehsetin

thought they would go when I worked there, (left 4/5 years ago) asked my manager once why the offers were so uncompetitive...his answer, because the older generation know and love smiths and they'd get their christmas pressies there no matter what they charged...nice!

ses6jwg

bap98189 wrote: »

Given the number of 1/2 price offers in my local Tesco, I find that theory a little flawed.

If you read more closely I said "harass you at the till"

underlay_guru

Hi,

Has anyone mentioned that WHSmiths are usually the only port of call for news/mags/sweets/books at most major railway stations?

What about their exclusivity at Moto all moto services (plus most roadchef and welcome breaks)?

Most airport departure lounges have a WHSmiths, where there is rarely a choice to shop elsewhere for the same products...

ses6jwg

reehsetin wrote: »

thought they would go when I worked there, (left 4/5 years ago) asked my manager once why the offers were so uncompetitive...his answer, because the older generation know and love smiths and they'd get their christmas pressies there no matter what they charged...nice!

Lol, basing your business strategy around people that are dying... good call. :T

underlay_guru

FatAndy wrote: »

The difference is that in Tesco when you get to the till you don't get asked if you want a half price bin of beans or bag of sprouts. They make an assumption that if you haven't got an item in your trolley you don't want to buy it.

....So why do you think there is always a shelf of sweets and treats next to the checkout conveyor?

Its the same concept...

reehsetin

think they must be doing better now which is suprising, the year of the blumin whs worms asked why they didnt have a nice celebrity voice...was told it was because they couldn't afford it the worms were cheaper, this year they've got Gok Wan and co!

olly300

underlay_guru wrote: »

Hi,

Has anyone mentioned that WHSmiths are usually the only port of call for news/mags/sweets/books at most major railway stations?

What about their exclusivity at Moto all moto services (plus most roadchef and welcome breaks)?

Most airport departure lounges have a WHSmiths, where there is rarely a choice to shop elsewhere for the same products...

No one on this thread has so far mentioned it.

About 2 years ago it was reported that WHSmith was only in profit and business due to their stores at stations.

Their high street stores don't make much money.

Volvic

I use WHS every time I'm at a train station (usually twice a month) but will only pay for things that cost the same all-round (magazines, newspapers). I find myself verging on depression every time I venture into the place as the people on the tills always look like they're on death row and you dread the usual "You can get a toblerone for a pound with your magazine". I have now resorted to recording my response on my phone to playback on cue; "That's ok, thanks."

Esqui

I bet most people here would get up a Woolworths-level of nostalgia and sorrow if WHS went under.