A host of branches will be shutting up this year (Picture: Getty Images)

WHSmith has announced it is closing some branches across the UK as it expands across airports and train stations.

So far this year, branches have been closed in Scotland, Kent, Manchester and other locations and more are expected to follow.

But 15 new branches are expected to open at UK airports and train stations.

We take a look below at the store closures and openings.

Which stores are closing?

This is the full list of store closures and closing dates:

Crewe, Cheshire March, 2023
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire March, 2023
Bicester, Oxfordshire August, 2023
Manchester December 2, 2023
Alfreton, Derbyshire January, 2024
Ramsgate, Kent January, 2024
Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland February, 2024
Nantwich, South Cheshire February, 2024

Are stores opening?

There are some stores opening as WHSmith moves away from the high street to instead focus around travel hubs.

This is because revenue across the business had risen by 8% over the 20 weeks to January 20, in comparison to the same period the previous year.

Some will open in travel hubs across the UK (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)

Its travel sales grew by 15% over the same time frame compared to a 3% fall in revenue for its high street portfolio.

It is due to open 15 stores in 2024, with an additional 15 after that each year over the medium term.

But the locations of where these new branches will open has not been revealed yet.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.