WHSmith is facing accusations of 'price gouging' from holidaymakers and consumer experts who claim the retailer is charging excessive prices for basic goods at its airport stores. Investigations found that items such as water, crisps, and mints are being sold at more than double the price compared to other retailers within the same airport terminals.
At Gatwick, Heathrow, and Glasgow airports, travelers have reported paying around £4 for a 750ml bottle of Evian water at WHSmith, while similar bottles were available for as little as £1.80 elsewhere in the departure lounges. 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. Similarly, a packet of Polo mints cost £2.69 at WHSmith, compared to £1.10 at Boots.
Consumer expert Martyn James stated that while airport retail environments have higher operating costs, this does not justify the price disparities observed at WHSmith. He noted that other airport brands do not exhibit the same level of 'profiteering.'
Even in London's Victoria railway station, where competition is greater, WHSmith's prices for similar items remained elevated. A 750ml bottle of Evian was £3.69, a grab bag of Walkers crisps was £1.99, and Polo mints were £1.99. In comparison, Boots at the same station offered Evian for £2, Walkers crisps for £1.40, and Polo mints for 85p.
One traveler at Jersey Airport expressed shock at being charged £4.19 for a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola. WHSmith defended its pricing, stating that its stores operate in complex retail environments with significantly higher costs. The company added that it strives to offer value through meal deals, multi-buy promotions, and selected £1 drinks, and regularly reviews its pricing to remain competitive.
Founded in 1792, WHSmith sold approximately 480 of its high street stores last year, retaining around 590 outlets in airports, train stations, and hospitals across the UK, along with over 600 international stores. The company recently issued a profit warning and sold off £100 million of shares, citing a decrease in international passenger numbers due to the Iran war.