WHSmith Stationary and Books

WHSmith is one of the world's oldest and most recognizable retail chains, specializing in books, stationery, and travel essentials. Founded in 1792 by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna, the company began as a small news vendor in London. Over the centuries, it evolved from a newsstand into the world's first retail chain and a staple of British high streets and transport hubs.

Today, WHSmith operates thousands of stores globally, particularly in airports and railway stations. While its corporate headquarters remains in the United Kingdom, the manufacturing of its private-label stationery, electronics, and travel accessories is outsourced to various locations across the globe, including the UK, Europe, and Asia, to meet international supply demands.

As a publicly-traded company on the London Stock Exchange, WHSmith PLC remains an independent entity. It continues to expand its international footprint, particularly through its travel division, which serves millions of customers across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The brand is synonymous with convenience, maintaining a primary focus on the needs of the modern traveler and student.