WHSmith savaged on social media over key retailer claim
People are not happy with WHSmith and its attempts to portray itself as an essential retailer during the coronavirus outbreak. And they’ve been letting the company have it on social media.
If successful in its bid, WHSmith (along with Sports Direct, which is also venturing down this route) would get around lockdown rules closing the bulk of UK stores.
“In our high street stores, we have a retail offer that extends to every generation,” Chief Executive Carl Cowling said in a letter to employees.
“We can provide essential products to our younger pre-school customers; an unrivalled education officer with accompanying stationery range to children, teenagers and students; a fantastic books offer for everyone; and a news and magazines offer that can’t be beaten, enabling communities to access information and keep up-to-date with what is happening at the current time.”
The company is therefore "positioning itself to government as an essential retailer,” he added.
‘Part of the problem’
Plenty of people have been venting spleen about this on social media. “#whsmith you are NOT an essential retailer. Along with #SportsDirect you are now part of the problem. Spreading the virus just so you can make money out of this horrendous time! #StayAtHomeSaveLives,” said @JenniTomalin.
“Oh thank heavens #WHSmith is staying open. I was worried I wouldn’t find anywhere to get a £3.50 room-temperature bottle of water and a Flyte bar,” quipped @Fringey87.
“The killer management of @WHSmith and @SportsDirectUK need dealing with. Their behaviour is OUTRAGEOUS. And their remaining open makes a complete mockery of your #UKLockdown, @BorisJohnson. In #WHSmith’s case, ONLY their post offices should be allowed to open. That’s it!” stated @LTHlondon.
UPDATE: WHSmith have sent the following statement to us.
We have served our communities for over 227 years. Further to the Prime Minister’s most recent announcement, we are closing all stores apart from those designated essential by the government.
At this critical time, WHSmith will continue to provide vital post office services for customers to access key postal and banking services; food and drinks to NHS staff from our hospital stores, and a convenience offer in key small towns and travel locations where communities rely on our smaller newsagent services. About 40% of our UK store portfolio is remaining open to provide customers with these important services.
We are very proud of all our colleagues across our stores who are doing an outstanding job in continuing to serve our customers and communities. Our key priority is their health and wellbeing and we have a number of strict measures in place to keep everyone safe and supported. Given the fast evolving situation, our stores will be under constant review and we will support our colleagues through this difficult time.
Background points:
Our Post Office stores provide vital services to many members of the community we serve. Throughout these unprecedented times, keeping in touch with friends and family and being able to access banking services are critical.
The vast majority of the products we sell across our hospital stores are food and drink to NHS staff. At this time, we feel it is more important than ever for us to continue to offer our support to these staff. Our 20% discount to all NHS staff has been well received by both staff and hospital trusts.
We will be keeping a small number of stores open in key travel locations, including mainline rail stations and some large airports. Like our hospital stores, our stores in these key travel locations provide a one-stop-shop convenience offer, including food and drinks, to key workers travelling through them.
