WHSmith is testing pick ’n’ mix sweets in stores to cash in on a much-loved part of defunct retailer Woolworths’ offer.

The books-cum-stationery retailer already stocks confectionery and now wants to tap into the £300m pick ’n’ mix market.

A WHSmith spokesperson said: “WHSmith is trialling pick ’n’ mix in a small number of stores. The offer builds on our established confectionery offer.”

Retail Knowledge Bank senior partner Robert Clark said: “Woolworths’ sales of pick ’n’ mix must have been worth around £200m to £300m. Even if WHSmith picks up just £50m to £60m worth of this, it’s not to be sniffed at. And there’s space available in WHSmith stores, with the slimming down of its entertainment offer.”

Verdict Research consulting director Neil Saunders added: “It’s a good opportunity for WHSmith. The one retailer of pick ’n’ mix on the high street has gone and it will give the first mover advantage.
It will help drive the family demographic in-store as well as provide an extra stream of revenue.”

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