WHSmith a High Street flop (again), Which? research

The “reliably dreadful” WHSmith has been voted the worst UK High Street retailer, in a Which? survey of over 10,000 shoppers.

It has languished in the bottom two for the past eight years, with customers deriding its customer service and one labelling it a ‘horrid shop’. Clinton Cards, Sports Direct, Evans and Homebase – Bunnings also fared poorly.

Meanwhile, Lush, Savers and Smyths Toys were the best retailers. “The top scorers generally offer something their online rivals can’t: sensory experiences, help with choosing products or first-class customer service,” says Which? “Customers love the scents and atmosphere of Lush stores, the prices at Savers and ‘friendly and cheerful’ staff at Smyths Toys. Price is also a key factor, particularly for everyday essentials, pushing stores such as Savers up the rankings. Customers don’t like its shops or customer service but they love its low prices – and that trumps everything else.”

Sign up for our free retail technology newsletter here.