Wrexham’s First WHSmith Local to Open This Week

Work is underway on refitting a Wrexham store ahead of its takeover by a leading high street retailer this week.

On Friday 2nd October WH Smith will launch their new ‘local’ store in Dodds Lane in Gwersyllt.

The store, which currently operates as the Post Office is owned by Darren and Rachel Brooks who believe the opportunity to rebrand as WH Smith Local was too good to ignore.

Mr Brooks has owned the toy and card shop at the precinct since 1987. In August last year, after a period of uncertainty in which the local branch in nearby Hope Street could have moved away from the centre of the community, the couple invested and set up a brand new Post Office at their store, ‘proving to be a hugely successful and popular move with Gwersyllt residents’.

Having already incorporated their toy and card shop with the Post Office, Darren believes rebranding their store as a WH Smith Local is the perfect fit and will help secure their future at the precinct.

WH Smith Local is a ‘franchised’ version of their main high street offering, with the retail chain expanding into local newsagents market across the country.

The stores ‘offer prospective franchisees access to its buyers and training on how to limit costs and boost profits;. Although still a relatively new concept, trail stores across the country have reported increased sales figures since becoming WH Smith Locals.

Lesley Griffiths AM, who is opening the new store said: “The Toy Shop is a popular, established retailer in Gwersyllt and I am very happy to be invited by Darren and Rachel to officially open their new, rebranded store.”

“They have diversified their shop which now hosts the Post Office and I am sure the provision of WH Smith Local will provide a boost for the entire precinct.

“The store is a pillar of the Gwersyllt community and I am hoping the rebrand provides Mr and Mrs Brooks with financial security for their family and their staff.

“I wish them continued success.”