WH Smith bosses are hoping to tap into the 16,000 independent newsagents across the country by offering them a chance to become WH Smith Locals.

For a fee, small business owners will be allowed to use the retailer’s buyers and know-how to save on costs and increase profits. 22 have launched already including the UK’s first in Clapham and the retailer aims to increase this number to 50 by the end of the financial year.

Roy Seaman, Managing Director of Franchise Development Services commented: "I truly believe this to be one of the most exciting retail franchise opportunity in Britain. We estimate there to be at least 10 per cent of convenience store owners that are seriously interested in running their own franchise business. Therefore WH Smith could take the lead in conversion franchising, something like this in the UK has never been see before."

Published: 17 April 2015

Back to news