WH Smith offers new franchise opportunities Book retailer aims to tap into the 16,000 strong newsagent market and fortify its place on the high street with UK-wide franchise vacancies Written by Natasha Mc Gowan Published on 30 April 2015 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: Natasha Mc Gowan WH Smith hopes to partner with the UK’s local newsagents and strengthen its position on the high street with the expansion of its recently launched franchise network, WH Smith Locals.Since it launched in Clapham, 22 newsagents have already joined up with the book retailer, it forecasts that this number will soon increase to 50 franchises.The retail chain is offering prospective franchisees access to its buyers and training on how to limit costs and boost profits.It hopes that the move towards local franchising will re-instate its place on the high-street which has been diminishing – experiencing a 4% drop in same-store sales in the six months prior to February. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: Natasha Mc Gowan