Retailer attacked over high prices at stations

A WELFARE group has urged commuters to boycott WH Smith over their prices in Scottish train stations.

An investigation into costs showed customers in Glasgow and Edinburgh are being charged 50% extra for their drinks and snacks compared to other stores.

Prices include £2.79 for a can of Red Bull and 89p for a tube of Polo mints.

WH Smith have 16 stores at stations across the country, and in 2011/12 increased their profit by 11% to a total of £63 million.

Consumer watchdogs have now called on travellers to “vote with their feet and wallets” in a bid to bring down prices.

The price check found 500ml bottle of Buxton water cost £1.49 at the WH Smith in Queen Street station while in Sauchiehall Street it was 95p.

In Edinburgh, the water was £1.59 at Waverley and £1 at Kinnaird Park.

Citizens Advice Scotland said the findings showed consumers should shop elsewhere.

Its spokesman said: “This study shows you can make very significant savings even when buying the most basic items, and from the same sellers.

“It’s vital this sort of information gets into the public domain so consumers can vote with their f eet – and with their wallets.

“It’s important people are encouraged to shop around, and use the clout they have as consumers.”

The retailer said its rail branches were not comparable with those on high streets because they were in “premium locations” with higher rents and costs, longer opening hours and “challenging deliveries”.