05/12/2001

WH Smith expansion plan targets Northern Ireland

UK retailer WH Smith is set to add 3,000 workers to its 20,100-strong workforce.

The expansion plan is a response to fall in pre-tax profits to £130m for the 12 months up to August this year.

However, the company has insisted that its future is bright, despite worries about the strength of the UK economy.

The boost to WH Smith’s business over the next three years will involve a move beyond its traditional High Street profile, including an expansion into Northern Ireland where the firm opened its first shop last week.

The company revealed that market research had identified a gap in the market for the WH Smith brand, although the company plans to look at the success of its new Belfast store before pushing ahead with any further developments in the province.

The company also plans test out new ways of organising its outlets by offering coffee shop facilities, audio and video systems, and by selling non-traditional product ranges. (MB)

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