Why Did Whsmith Change Their Name

Alright, so you're walking down the high street, right? You've got your trusty reusable bag, you're humming a tune, and then - bam! You see it. Or rather, you don't see it. Because 'WHSmith' has done a disappearing act. It's now 'Smiths'. I mean, who even are these mystery 'Smiths'? Let's dive into this name change saga, shall we?

From WH to... Just Smith?

Picture this: You're in a pub quiz, and the question is, 'What did the 'WH' stand for in WHSmith?' You'd be forgiven for thinking, 'Well, it's probably something to do with William Henry, the founder, right?' Wrong! It was actually 'Wholesale Stationer'. Yep, you read that right. They were the original stationery wholesalers. But who wants to be reminded of work when they're trying to buy the latest bestseller, am I right?

So, in 2019, they decided to drop the 'WH'. It was like that friend who always wore a tie to parties - eventually, they realized it wasn't necessary and just went with the flow. The new name, 'Smiths', was meant to be more modern, more approachable. It was like going from 'Professor Smith' to just 'Smith' - suddenly, they were your cool, laid-back friend.

But Why the Change?

You might be thinking, 'Why mess with a good thing?' Well, the retail world is a bit like a game of musical chairs. If you don't keep up, you're left standing when the music stops. The high street has been tough, with online retailers giving brick-and-mortar stores a run for their money. So, 'Smiths' decided to give their brand a facelift, hoping to attract a new crowd.

Think of it like when you've had the same haircut for years, and suddenly, you decide to go for something different. You're not saying your old haircut was bad, you just want to mix things up. That's what 'Smiths' did. They wanted to show they were more than just a place to buy pens and notebooks. They wanted to be your one-stop shop for books, gifts, and all those little things that make life a bit brighter.

So, Who Are These 'Smiths'?

Well, they're the same old 'WHSmith', just with a new name and a new look. They're still the place where you can find the latest thriller, a greeting card for every occasion, and a pack of batteries when you've run out (again). They're just trying to keep up with the times, like when your grandma starts using Instagram - it's the same grandma, just with a new hobby.

WH Smith high street rebrands follow £76m deal | dartmouth-today.co.uk

And let's not forget, they've been around since 1792. That's older than the United States! So, they've seen a thing or two, and they know what they're doing. They just wanted a fresh start, a new chapter, if you will. And who can blame them? Even the most well-read book needs a new cover sometimes.

But What About the Logo?

You might be thinking, 'But I still see the 'WH' in their logo!' Well, spotted! They kept the 'WH' in their logo because, let's face it, it's iconic. It's like when you change your name but everyone still calls you by your old nickname - it's just easier that way.

Plus, the 'WH' is a bit like a secret handshake now. It's a nod to their history, a reminder of where they came from. It's like when you move to a new city but you still tell people you're from your hometown - it's part of who you are.

Wh Smith Logo Whsmiths Logo Hi Res Stock Photography And Images

So, Should We Call Them 'Smiths' Now?

Well, that's up to you. Some people might take a while to get used to the new name, like when your friend changes their name to something... let's say, unique. You might slip up and call them by their old name for a while, but eventually, you get used to it.

At the end of the day, whether you call them 'WHSmith' or 'Smiths', they're still the same store that's been there for you when you've needed a last-minute birthday card, a new book to dive into, or a pack of gum. They're just trying to keep up with the times, like the rest of us. So, let's give them a chance, shall we?

And who knows, maybe one day, 'Smiths' will become as iconic as 'WHSmith' was. After all, every classic starts with a new beginning. So, here's to 'Smiths' - the new name, the same old store, and a high street staple that's not going anywhere anytime soon.