The national retailer has today (January 16) announced it will be pulling down the shutters at its store in the Wellington Square shopping complex, in Stockton.
Bright yellow closing down signs stating “everything must go” have been erected on the windows of the store, which is also currently home to a Post Office.
A spokesperson said the decision has been made to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry, adding that it is “no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location”.
A statement said it is “disappointed” to be losing the store and thanked customers and staff.
A closing date has been earmarked for May, with an exact date currently unknown.
The decision has left the future of the town centre Post Office hanging in the balance, and The Northern Echo has contacted the Post Office for more information on this.
The Post Office continues to operate locations on the nearby Norton Road and Bishopton Road as well as other drop and collect sites.
A full statement from a WHSmith spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Stockton on Tees will be closing in May.
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“It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.
We are disappointed to be losing our presence in Stockton on Tees and we would like to thank all our customers for their support and for shopping with us.
“We are also extremely grateful for the commitment of our in-store colleagues who we will support with this transition and redeploy to nearby stores, where possible.”