Wed, 29 Jan 2025

WH Smith High Street sales fall amid talks to sell stores

High street sales dropped 6% in the 21 weeks to January 25, the retailer said.

* WH Smith reported a 6% drop in High Street sales over the past 21 weeks, including the Christmas period.
* The company plans to sell 500 of its UK shops and has already closed 14 stores in the past financial year.
* Despite struggles on the High Street, WH Smith's travel arm performed well, with plans to expand into new markets, including the US.
* The group reported that its travel business "delivered another excellent performance" and is set to account for more than 85% of profits.
* WH Smith has held talks about selling its High Street stores to focus on its travel retail business, which operates from airports, train stations, and hospitals.
* If the sale goes ahead, the post offices within the shops will remain in operation.
* Analysts predict that WH Smith's High Street business could be sold for £100m or more in the coming months.
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