WHSmith has revealed the exact date that ten stores will close down with an additional ten set to close in the coming months. Last month, it was announced that the ten stores were due to close soon, but it has now been confirmed when branches will close their doors for the final time.

A fortnight ago, it was confirmed that the high street icon would change its name following a £76 million buyout by Modella Capital, the owners of Hobbycraft. It comes as the once impervious stationer looked to pivot its business model as it adapted to changing customer needs. A shift in business strategy has led to more than a dozen shops being identified for closure and now the dates of ten closures can now be revealed.

According to the Scottish Sun, Halstead and Woolwich will be closing as early as this Saturday.

Shoppers will be able to say their goodbyes while enjoying a firesale with as much as 75% off of prices.

A week later, Halesowen and Diss will close their doors while also offering a significant closing down sale.

The following week will see Haverhill and Newport shut down, where it is understood a 50% sale will take place.

Three more stores will close in May with Bedford ending its stay on the high street on Jul 5.

The high street icon has been subject to speculation over its future all year and took the step of releasing a statement to clarify its position in January.

The statement said: “WHSmith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the Group, including a possible sale.

“Over the past decade, WHSmith has become a focused global travel retailer. The Group’s Travel business has over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, and three-quarters of the Group’s revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the Travel business.”

Following the confirmation of its buyout by Modella Capital, Carl Cowling, Group Chief Executive said: "As we continue to deliver on our strategic ambition to become the leading global travel retailer, this is a pivotal moment for WHSmith as we become a business exclusively focused on Travel.

“We have a highly successful Travel business, operating in fast growing markets in 32 countries and we are constantly innovating to deliver strong returns and meet our customers’ and partners’ needs. 

“As our Travel business has grown, our UK High Street business has become a much smaller part of the WHSmith Group. High Street is a good business; it is profitable and cash generative with an experienced and high-performing management team. However, given our rapid international growth, now is the right time for a new owner to take the High Street business forward and for the WHSmith leadership team to focus exclusively on our Travel business.”

Halstead, Essex - April 12

Woolwich, London - April 12

Halesowen, West Midlands - April 19

Diss, Norfolk - April 19

Newport, Wales - April 26

Haverhill, Suffolk - April 26

Oldham, Greater Manchester - May 3

Stockton, County Durham - May 17

West Mall, Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster - May 31

Bedford, Bedfordshire - July 5