It's been a high street staple for more than 230 years, but now WHSmith could be set to leave our town centres.

The retailer, which has stores in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Stroud, is in talks to offload its 500 high street stores, as reported by Retail Gazette.

It's believed the sale of the stores could mean WHSmith giving up the rights to its brand name, which dates right back to 1792.

Although WHSmith hasn't confirmed the detail of any potential deal, the sale of the business could mean underperforming stores are closed.

Branches which are home to post offices will bring an extra layer of complication to any potential buyer.

Looking ahead, the business is set to focus on its more profitable travel retail division.

WHSmith's high street business generated £452m in sales and £32m in profit for the year ending August 2024, while its travel business now accounts for 85% of the company's profits.