WHSmith Store Closures and Age-Targeted Scams: What You Need to Know
WHSmith is a well-known UK shop with 233 years of history. It now plans to close 20 shops. The move comes as the company reshapes its business. This report shows how scams work for people of different ages. This information helps you keep your money safe.
WHSmith to Close 20 Stores
WHSmith sold part of its business to Modella Capital. Modella Capital owns Hobbycraft. The deal is worth £76 million. The familiar WHSmith name will soon change. The shops will become TGJones outlets.
A list of closing shops is below. Each point shows the shop and the closure date:
- Bournemouth Old Christchurch Road, Dorset – Closes on 18 January
- Luton, Bedfordshire – Closes on 18 January
- March, Cambridgeshire – Closes on 25 January
- Basingstoke, Hampshire – Closes on 1 February
- Long Eaton – Closes on 1 February
- Newtown, Powys – Closes on 15 February
- Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset – Closes on 15 February
- Rhyl, Denbighshire – Closes on 15 February
- Bolton, Greater Manchester – Closes in February (exact date to come)
- Accrington, Lancashire – Closes on 15 March
- Halstead, Essex – Closes in April (exact date to come)
- Halesowen, West Midlands – Closes in April (exact date to come)
- Diss, Norfolk – Closes in April (exact date to come)
- Newport, Wales – Closes in April (exact date to come)
- Haverhill, Suffolk – Closes on 26 April
- Woolwich – Closes in April (exact date to come)
- Stockton, County Durham – Closes in May (exact date to come)
- Oldham, Greater Manchester – Closes in May (exact date to come)
- West Mall, Frenchgate Centre Doncaster – Closes on 31 May
- Orpington, Greater London – Closure date is not yet set
This change shows that high street shops face many challenges as shopping habits change and costs grow.
Understanding Scams That Target Different Age Groups
Scammers plan their tricks by age. Each plan uses simple ideas that match the victim’s traits:
-
Younger Adults (18-24):
Social media serves as a place for scams such as phishing and fake giveaways. Fraudsters often act as known brands. They ask for personal data. -
Middle-Aged Adults (25-54):
This group sees scams in investment ideas. Many scams include schemes that promise fast money or false projects in digital currency. These scams play on the wish for more money. -
Older Adults (55+):
The elderly often get scams about lottery wins or claims of inheritance. They trust letters and calls. Some of these calls lead to loss of funds.
Economic Context
The UK now sees new changes in wages and living costs. Many workers will see a pay rise because of recent rules. Some fear that some employers may not update wages. Workers should check that their pay meets the new law.
Rising interest rates also affect saving plans. People who want to buy property, such as Houses in Multiple Occupation, must know the shifts in the market, interest rates, and demands.
Conclusion
WHSmith will close many shops. Scams also change to trick people of all ages. It is important to stay alert. Whether you invest in property or adjust your spending, knowing these facts can help you defend your money.
Sources
- Sky News – Money News: WHSmith Stores Closure
- Sky News – Money Blog on scams: Scam Awareness
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Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
