WHSmith is facing accusations of 'price gouging' as its airport shops are charging travelers substantially higher prices for everyday items compared to other retailers within the same terminals. Reports indicate that basic goods such as bottled water, snacks, and confectionery are being sold at significantly inflated prices, drawing criticism from customers and consumer advocates.
For instance, a 750ml bottle of Evian water was found to cost around £4 at WHSmith locations in Gatwick, Heathrow, and Glasgow airports, while the same item was available for as little as £1.80 elsewhere in the departure lounges. Similarly, a packet of Walkers crisps was priced at £2.69 in WHSmith, more than double the £1.30 charged by Boots in the same terminals. A packet of Polo mints at WHSmith was £2.69, compared to £1.10 at Boots.
Consumer expert Martyn James commented that while operating costs are higher in airports, this does not justify the significant price differences observed at WHSmith. He noted that other airport retailers do not exhibit the same level of price increases, suggesting that WHSmith's charges are disproportionately high even when accounting for the captive audience.
Prices at London's Victoria railway station, where competition is greater, also showed higher prices at WHSmith compared to Boots. At Victoria station, a 750ml bottle of Evian was £3.69, a Walkers grab bag £1.99, and Polo mints £1.99 at WHSmith. In contrast, Boots at the same station charged £2 for Evian, £1.40 for a Walkers grab bag, and 85p for Polo mints.
One traveler reported being charged £4.19 for a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola at Jersey Airport. WHSmith defended its pricing, stating that its stores operate in complex retail environments with higher costs. The company added that it strives to offer value through meal deals, multi-buy promotions, and selected £1 drinks, and that it regularly reviews its pricing to remain competitive.
The accusations come after WHSmith issued a profit warning and sold £100 million of shares over the summer, citing reduced passenger numbers due to global events. The company, founded in 1792, has focused its operations on travel hubs and other high-traffic locations after selling approximately 480 of its high street stores last year, retaining around 590 outlets in UK airports, train stations, and hospitals, in addition to over 600 international stores.
