WHSmith, a global news, books, and convenience retailer, has recently launched a new store format under its UK Travel business called Smith’s Kitchen. This new concept focuses on offering quality food and drink options to customers in various locations, starting with the opening of the first Smith’s Kitchen at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton.
The café at Smith’s Kitchen features a cozy 26-seat space and offers a variety of food and drink options. Customers can enjoy coffee sourced from a local roastery, as well as hot breakfast choices and freshly baked pastries made in-store. This emphasis on quality and freshness sets Smith’s Kitchen apart as a destination for delicious and satisfying meals.
In addition to the café, WHSmith has introduced the Smith’s Family Kitchen food range, which includes over 30 products ranging from sandwiches to salads to baguettes and wraps. The company reports that the range has exceeded expectations, with popular items like the BLT sandwich selling over 420,000 units since its launch earlier this year. This success highlights the growing demand for high-quality food options in WHSmith stores.
Andrew Harrison, the UK travel managing director at WHSmith, expressed the company’s commitment to providing top-notch food offerings for customers. He emphasized the importance of quality and value in meeting customer preferences, whether they are in a hospital or on the go. The launch of Smith’s Kitchen and the expansion of the own-brand food range demonstrate WHSmith’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
The UK Travel division is a significant part of WHSmith’s operations, with 590 stores located in airports, hospitals, and railway stations across the UK. This wide reach allows WHSmith to cater to a diverse range of customers and provide them with convenient and enjoyable dining experiences.
Matthew Hine, the commercial and enterprise development manager at University Hospital Southampton, expressed his excitement about the partnership with WHSmith and the introduction of Smith’s Kitchen at Princess Anne Hospital. He highlighted the positive impact that the new café and retail offer will have on patients, staff, and visitors, providing them with a fresh and appealing dining option.
Overall, WHSmith’s launch of Smith’s Kitchen represents a strategic move to enhance its food and drink offerings and provide customers with quality options in various locations. With a focus on freshness, variety, and customer satisfaction, Smith’s Kitchen is poised to become a popular destination for those seeking delicious meals on the go.