WHSmith

WHSmith seem to have stores everywhere these days, and that’s why on a recent trip to Stoke on-​Trent I knew I’d find one! This is quite a large store, even with a Post Office at the back and a good selection of stationary. As with most places in Stoke, I feel a review for this place is really needed, as they hasn’t been one for over 7 years.
It is actually quite an unusual time to be reviewing this store with its’ closure confirmed in April, with a likely relocation on the cards, although one hasn’t been confirmed, which is a shame, as based on my visit today, this seems to be one of their better stores.
This store is a good size, and isn’t too big either, it has a decent range of books, a good range of stationary and parcel equipment as well as maths sets, tutor books etc.
The staff here seemed okay, they didn’t really stand out, but they seemed polite. The store seemed quiet on my visit, with small numbers of staff and customers in the store, They had one self-​service till, which makes me think as this store didn’t really seem busy, maybe they are right to be shutting up shop soon, as they are not getting the customers in.
It’s in a mid-​floor position in the Potteries center too, so it is in a good location and I feel too large of a store ruins the vibe a little, this store is slightly nicer and more modern than some of my local stores in Middleton, Manchester and The Manchester Arndale too.
It’s a nice store, with good selection and average staff and in a good location, it is just a shame about the pricing of certain items, but still deserves a solid 3!

great range of products which includes stationary, dvds/​cds, games, magazines, books etc.
quite expensive.

WH Smiths in the Potteries Centre sells a large range of books, stationary, DVD’s, Games, cards and magazines.
It is one of the best places to go for magazines as they have a huge range covering every topic/​hobby you can think of and more!
They have some good offers on from time to time such as 3 for 2 on books which are worth looking out for.
The shop is well laid out and quite large but as other people have mentioned, there are nowhere near enough tills for the amount of customers so at busy times such as a Saturday afternoon, you can expect to queue for a while.

The WH Smith store in Hanley is situated on the first floor of the Potteries Shopping Centre. It now houses the Post Office at the back of the store. The Post Office section gets very busy and there never seems to be many staff serving. As a result you can queue for up to half an hour to be served. The store itself generally is ok and is quite large selling magazines, books, CDs, stationery etc. They have some good offers on including half price on books and buy one get one free. They also have a good range of cards and wrapping paper. Their prices are pretty comparable to similar stores although some items, such as printer cartridges, can be on the expensive side. The main problem with this store is that for the size of the store there are few cash registers and few staff serving on the tills this can mean that on busy days you have to wait quite a while to pay.

Is very easily accessible being in a mid-​floor position in the potteries centre. Has a large selction of books, dvds and cds, as well as very well stocked newsagents section (Stationary, magazines, newspapers, stamps etc)
It also has a post office that has been incorporated into the back of the shop, at the unfortunate expense of a previoulsy brilliant childrens section.
Often seems to be a little more expensive than other stores selling the same items, although the offers make up for it at times because they can be so good.
Is a very busy store, made even more so by the post office arriving, so not worth considering as a serious option unless it is the only place to buy the item you want as you can queuing up for hours!
Aside from the queues though, the store is always well stocked, and i’ve found the staff to be helpful.

This w h smiths is a very busy store and eveytime i go in im waiting ages in ques .
The staff always seem to me as they dont want to work there and always have a sad look upon there face and mumble there word .
The store its self is well stocked and can get very cramped at time but at its worst at christmas .
If theres any books i need or magazines i can garantee i can get it from there were as places like supermarkets dont have a large range.
Now and again they have a good few gift ideas but at costly prices.

W H Smiths is a big open store with great access to for disabled people and pushchairs.
They have recently put the post office at the back of the store.
The shop sells books, dvds, music, calenders, diaries and magazines. The store is always spotless.
The staff are friendly, polite and helpful.