WH Smith SWOT Analysis

WH Smith SWOT analysis evaluates the brand by its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats. In SWOT Analysis of WH Smith, the strengths and weaknesses are the internal factors whereas opportunities and threats are the external factors.

WH Smith is one of the leading brands in the lifestyle and retail sector. The article below lists the WH Smith SWOT and includes its target market, segmentation, positioning & USP.

Let us start the SWOT Analysis below:

WH Smith Strengths

The strengths of WH Smith looks at the key internal factors of its business which gives it competitive advantage in the market and strengthens its position.

A list of strengths is mostly the starting point in a SWOT analysis. Below are the Strengths in the SWOT Analysis of WH Smith :

1. Prominent brand name: Presence in the category for more than 200 years
2. Strong distribution network: over 600 stores on the high street and over 600 stores at airports, train stations, etc
3. Meaty global presence: Beyond UK company also operates in Australia, South East Asia, India and Middle East
4. Strong online service: offers like deliver orders over £15 free to your address, etc

5. Generating awareness about environmental aspect of business thus increasing brand loyalty

6. Company is made up of two core businesses- Travel and High Street. This provides stability, since low performance by one can be compensated by other.

WH Smith Weaknesses

The weaknesses of a brand are certain aspects of its business which it can improve. Here are the weaknesses in the WH Smith SWOT Analysis:

1. The travel business is impacted by geopolitical events, wars and acts of terrorism, etc. Thus resulting in generation of lower revenue during crisis
2. With increase awareness of online shopping, entry barrier in the business has decreased significantly

WH Smith Opportunities

The opportunities for any brand can include prospects of future growth. Following are the opportunities in WH Smith SWOT Analysis:

1. With experience of more than 200 years in the sector company can strengthen its position across the globe
2. Vertical Integration: Can develop its own branded magazines, entertainment products, etc

WH Smith Threats

The threats for any business can be external factors which can negatively impact its business. The threats in the SWOT Analysis of WH Smith are as mentioned:

1. Long term economic slowdown can decrease the revenue significantly since consumer spending will reduce
2. High competition from both supermarkets and online retailers in the high-street segment
3. Growing awareness of E-books which are cheaper and easily available

Hence this concludes the WH Smith SWOT analysis.

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About WH Smith

WH Smith Overview
Parent Company	WH Smith
Category	Books, stationary, magazines, newspaper
Sector	Lifestyle and Retail
Tagline/ Slogan	-
USP	More than 200 years old: First newsagent in the Smith family opened in 1792
WH Smith STP
Segmentation	Income, hobby, attitude
Target Market	High income, reading, travelers
Positioning	Being a responsible business is a high priority

This article has been researched & authored by the Content & Research Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

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