WH Smith’s 500 UK high street stores could be up for sale as the retailer considers “options for this profitable and cash-generative part of the group”.
There has been a real focus on its travel sites over the past few years, as high street retail continues to face macroeconomic challenges.
Travel sites however saw a 9% jump in revenue in 2024, and now account for 85% of the brand’s profits. The retailer has been helped by the recovery of passenger numbers, it has witnessed increased revenue of 8% in both Air and Rail. It also credited the introduction of its own-brand food offering. Smith’s Family Kitchen, introduced in May 2024, is exclusively available in 300 of its UK Travel stores.
The UK High Street division’s total revenue, including online, has continuously dropped. Store network LFL revenue remained flat versus the comparative period last year.
WH Smith had hoped that new Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops within its high street stores could drive customers back to the high street sites. This move was initially met with good feedback, it was on track to open a further 25 shop-in-shops.
The retailer – which has been on the UK’s high streets for 230 years – said there was “no certainty that any agreement will be reached”. It pledged to provide updates on any possible sale.
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