New Bookstore Launch

SMITH (WH) GROUP PLC
28 October 1999


New Bookstore Launched
WHSmith books.co

WHSmith is trialling a new format of bookshop which combines the strengths of
in-store and online shopping.

The company will open 'WHSmith books.co' in Leeds railway station in December
and in American airports from next spring.

WHSmith books.co will offer a range of books in stores that will include
international bestsellers, the latest recommended books and specialist
business and travel books.

Stores will also feature online services including:

*  Internet bookselling through WHSmith Online.  Customers will have the
   choice of where orders are delivered, ie to their home, their office or to
   WHSmith.

*  E-mail access through the WHSmith Online portal, providing travellers with
   a last minute check on e-mails.

*  Access to detailed business information from companies around the world.

*  Travel information providing hotel and restaurant guides.

Following trials, WHSmith may open further stores in airports and railway
stations in the USA and UK, with a possible extension of the concept in
airports in South East Asia.

Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive, said: 'WHSmith books.co is a step
towards our vision of providing customers with a seamless service. Whether
they want to shop online or in a store, WHSmith will be there. If they want
their book delivered to their home or to be available for collection in their
high street or at an airport, we will arrange it.  WHSmith books.co will
deliver a unique combination of retailing together with access to online
information services.

'This 'clicks and mortar' combination has the potential to be developed
internationally as WHSmith integrates its online services with its established
businesses.'

Enquiries:

WH Smith Group PLC                           0171 409 3222
Tim Blythe, Corporate Affairs Director
Ghassan Karian, Corporate Affairs Executive