Why did Henry Walton Smith start whsmiths?

Henry Walton Smith founded WHSmith in 1792 to sell newspapers and other reading materials at a time when literacy was on the rise in Britain. He recognized the growing demand for accessible literature and established a business model focused on convenience and customer service. The success of his first shop in Little Grosvenor Street, London, led to the expansion of the brand, making WHSmith a prominent name in retailing books and stationery.