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An increase in UK passenger numbers and WH Smith’s growing presence in airports and train stations has helped the retailer to a 9% hike in its Travel arm sales over the last quarter.
The bookseller and stationer released a trading update for the 14 weeks from 1st March to 4th June this morning (8th June), revealing that total sales were up 9% in its Travel arm, while like-for-like sales were up 3% inline with expectations.
The company said: “This sales performance reflects our ongoing investment in the UK business and the improvement in passenger numbers. We made further progress actively managing our space to best meet the changing needs of our customers and landlords.”
The company already has 757 outlets in Travel locations and plans to open more stories ion the UK and internationally.
WH Smith’s High Street arm, however, has suffered a drop in sales over the quarter. Total sales were down 4% and like-for-like sales down 3%. The company said it would continue with its “continue with our profit focused strategy,” where the high street was concerned.
Overall, total group sales were up 2% with like-for-like sales flat.
WHS added it remained “confident” about its full-year outcome.