Like many other high street shops at this time, WH Smith has been suffering.
The chain has reported an annual loss after the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures forced hundreds of its shops to close.
For the year to 31 August, the retailer reported a pre-tax loss of £226m, down from a £135m profit last year.
After coming across these old photos of 'Smith's' in Weymouth, we thought it was a good time to remember the shop in the resort and think about our happy memories in the shop.
The shop is now in St Mary Street but used to occupy a large and prominent shopfront close to the King's Statue.
These pictures from the Terry Gale collection and elsewhere, show the shop through the years in Weymouth, first in 1919, then in 1956 and what we believe is 1961.
WH Smith Weymouth, 1919
I know I always enjoyed spending my pocket money in 'Smith's' on the latest copy of Smash Hits magazine or saving up for a fancy fountain pen to write with at school - meaning many return visits for numerous ink cartridges!
WH Smith was formed by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna in 1792 as a news vendor in London.
Like in so many towns, WH Smith has a long and rich history in Weymouth.
WH Smith Weymouth, 1956
WH Smith, Weymouth, 1961
This postcard shows the WH Smith shopfront in Weymouth during the inter-war period of 1918-39
Another view of the shop behind the King's Statue
Community answers
What are your memories of WH Smith in Weymouth?
"Tell us your favourite things about 'Smith's', a mainstay of Weymouth town centre. What did you use to buy in there and do you still use the shop today?"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What is your response?remember Smith there, lived in Weymouth at Wyke from 1968 to 1975., so remember as in the 1961 pic hadn't changed much from 61 to 68 I dont think.
What is your response?As a small child in the late 40s I lived in a flat above w h smiths in Weymouth and spent many happy hours browsing the shelves to decide what to spend my book tokens on sent to me by aunts for Christmas my dad was manager of Woolworths just down the road I still have I great love of books because of early trips to smiths
What are your memories of WH Smith in Weymouth?
Tell us your favourite things about 'Smith's', a mainstay of Weymouth town centre. What did you use to buy in there and do you still use the shop today?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel