British book and stationery retailer WHSmith has expanded into China, opening 12 kiosks in metro stations in Shanghai.

It says it has also secured 18 more locations for future openings.

“(The kiosks) are an opportunity to get our brand in front of a lot of people. It’s our first step into China and it is clearly a massive country so there is a huge opportunity,” said group finance director Robert Moorhead.

WHSmith entered Asia last year when it opened in Malaysia.

The retailer boasts a network of more than 1100 stores globally.