WHSmith rolls out in-store customer WiFi

The bookseller and stationer hopes the service will help encourage more customers to try out its Kobo e-reader, and help sales assistants provide information previously unavailable in store.

WHSmith group business development director Ian Sanders  said: “The internet allows us to provide a lot of extra information that was previously unavailable in-store, for example in-depth book reviews, product lists or search functions. It’s about bringing the high street and online together in a way that works for our customers - free WiFi access does this. Our customers can use our services specifically or they can browse the wider internet.”

Customers using the WiFi on their smartphones and tablet devices will first be taken to a WHSmith landing page where special offers and store information will be advertised, but can then access any website. WHSmith is working with The Cloud to provide the service.