ANOTHER WH Smith store will shut in Bournemouth in what will be the third to close in less than 12 months. 

The Winton branch, in Wimborne Road, is the latest to confirm its closure with a sign stating it will be shutting its doors on February 15, 2025.

It follows recent news that WH Smith in Bournemouth town centre, in Old Christchurch Road, could close as early as January 2025.

When WH Smith were contacted regarding this closure, they did not confirm or deny it.

A spokesperson previously said: “We keep our store lease agreements under regular review, including at our Old Christchurch Road store in Bournemouth and will share updates on any changes to the store in future.”

The retailer has been contacted about the Winton branch, but the Daily Echo did not receive a reply at the time of publication.

However, a member of staff did confirm the closure and final date on the phone.  

As previously reported, WH Smith in Christchurch Road in Boscombe, closed to customers in June after around 18 years on the high street.

A spokesperson said at the time that trade from this location was “no longer sustainable” and a decision was made not to renew the lease.

Despite the three announced closures this year, the retailer said it has recorded a 16 per cent rise in annual profits.

The group reported underlying pre-tax profits of £166 million for the year to August 31, up from £143 million the previous year.

Trading profits increased by 15 per cent in shops based in railway stations, airports and hospitals, totalling to £189 million.

Earnings remained the same in high street stores at £32 million.

A spokesperson previously said: “We only renew a lease where we are confident of delivering economic value over the life of that lease.

“As we grow travel, the high street division will become a smaller part of the overall group.”

Around 14 sites have been shut on UK high streets over the past financial year, leaving 500 branches.

It added that it has around 470 store leases due for renewal over the next three years, including 100 where it is in active negotiations with the landlord.