Popular British retailer to close store within weeks with no plans for new high street locations

The branch, located on Market Street, opened in 2017 but has already started a closing down sale.

Shoppers will be able to pick up discounts at the location as it prepares to shut.

This comes as supermarket giant Sainsbury's plans to close a store permanently this weekend.

WHSmith customers will not need to travel too far for another location, however, as nearby WHSmith stores will remain open.

A spokesperson said: "We are sorry to confirm that our WHSmith store in Manchester Arndale will be closing at the beginning of December.

"We are very disappointed to be losing our presence in the shopping centre and would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.

"We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.

"Every effort has been made to try and secure our presence in the centre however, unfortunately, we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the landlord has agreed a new letting of the unit.”

This follows another branch which has closed in recent weeks.

The location in Crown Walk, Bicester, closed for good on August 30.

WHSmith has stores across the UK, including on high streets and in stations.

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It recently announced it has no plans to open more high street locations.

However, it will continue to deliver to Britons with the focus put on opening new branches in more UK airports or train stations instead.

This is not the only retailer to shut and popular coffee chain Costa closed stores this year.

Retailers including Boots and Iceland will close stores this month.