WH Smith has reported its transformation into a “one-stop-shop for travel essentials” is delivering strong results, with travel revenue up 9%.
The retailer has been helped by the recovery of passenger numbers, it has witnessed increased revenue of 8% in both Air and Rail for the 13 week period to 01 June 2024. It also credited the introduction of its own-brand food offering. Smith’s Family Kitchen, introduced in May, is exclusively available in 300 of its UK Travel stores.
Its UK performance as whole was positive, with total revenue up 9% on last year, and a jump of 14% in hospitals.
However the high street performance continues to falter. The UK High Street division’s total revenue, including online, was down 4%. Store network LFL revenue remained flat versus the comparative period last year. This reflects its full year results from January, in which WH Smith reported sales at its UK travel division rose 15% while high street sales fell 3%.
The retailer did stress that its work to introduce five new Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops within its high street stores had been met with good feedback. It is on track to open a further 25 shop-in-shops this financial year.
WH Smith is ranked with the UK Top250 retailers.
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