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WH Smith PLC on Wednesday reported a ‘good start’ to the 2025 financial year thanks to its core travel business, offsetting a slowdown in the UK high street division. The London-based retail chain estimated group revenue for the 21 weeks to January 25 rose 3% from the year prior. Growth in the travel division was about 7%, while high street revenue declined 6% from the same period in 2024. WH Smith said the slowed high street performance was in line with expectations. Over the weekend, the firm said it is ‘exploring potential strategic options’ for the high street unit, including a possible sale. Ahead of an annual general meeting on Wednesday, Chief Executive Carl Cowling noted: ‘Our UK travel business has delivered another excellent performance across all channels, as we continue to make good progress with the rollout of our one-stop-shop for travel essentials format.’ Though UK travel remains the company’s largest branch, Cowling pointed out improvements in overseas trading during the period: ‘In North America, we have seen a notable shift in like-for-like revenue growth, up 3%, as a result of the actions we have taken to enhance our ranges and introduce new categories. ‘We are also delighted to announce that we have won 8 stores at Orlando airport, further to our announcement in November and, more recently, a further 4 stores at Portland airport.’ WH Smith expects to release results for the half-year to February 28 on April 16. The firm’s shares were up 6.9% at 1,272.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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