A POPULAR high-street retailer is closing its doors in Boscombe.

The WHSmith store in Boscombe will be shutting down, adding to the number of empty shops in the area.

The store, located at 625 Christchurch Road, has reportedly been on the high street for the past 18 years.

The retailer known for selling books, stationary, post offices and convenience products will be closing this summer.

WHSmith said the decision to close the shop was because of the expiration of its lease.

A spokesperson for WHSmith said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Boscombe will be closing on Saturday June 8 2024.

“It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location, and the decision has been made to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry. “

Leah McKenna works at the Boscombe WHSmith. She said that there is currently a clearance sale, as they need to get rid of as much stock as possible before the store's permanent closure.

The store is covered in yellow posters which read: “Closing down, everything must go.

“Up to 30% off stationery and books.”

Leah said: “It is upsetting that the shop is closing.

“We have a lot of regular customers who are really going to miss coming here.

“We have quite a few elderly customers who come in to buy books.”

The WHSmith spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to be losing our presence in this location, and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.”

Leah said that staff have been offered positions in other stores where possible.

WHSmith said: “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.”