WHSmith voted UK's worst high street shop AGAIN as it finishes in bottom two for ninth year in a row

WHSmith has again been voted the UK’s worst high street shop.

An annual Which? survey found that shoppers criticised the retailer's value for money and its "cramped and messy" stores.

The chain was also voted the worst on the high street in same poll last year, and has now been in the bottom two for nine consecutive years.

Responding to the outcome of the latest findings from the consumer group, WHSmith said the study was not “statistically relevant” relative to its customer base.

The retailer received a customer score of 50 per cent, just below Homebase (53 per cent) and Sports Direct (54 per cent).

Customers slammed WH Smith for its "very poor" value for money, service and in-store experience, and criticised the "cramped and messy" stores.

The survey of more than 7,700 Which? members voted in favour of specialist retailers in terms of the best in-store experiences.

Its results come amid concerns for the future of the high street.

Shoppers told Which? that Homebase was difficult to navigate and that it was "hard to find anything in overcrowded shelves".

Sports Direct was described by one shopper as having "a very oppressive atmosphere".

Richer Sounds was voted the best retailer with a customer score of 89 per cent, just ahead of outdoor and travel equipment chain Rohan (87 per cent).

John Lewis came third with 86 per cent.

Five of the six highest-scoring shops were specialist retailers, with customers commending them for their expert advice and high-quality products.

The only general retailer at the top of the table was John Lewis, which was praised by customers for being "a reliable store with products I can trust".

WHSmith said: "This survey accounts for the views of only 586 Which? subscribers and is neither statistically relevant nor meaningful relative to our loyal customer base.

"Every week we serve three million customers in our 600 UK High Street stores and have maintained our presence on the high street where many other retailers are closing stores.

“We work hard to improve customer experiences and continue to invest in new and existing stores."