WH Smith sales jump by more than a quarter

WH Smith revealed that sales have jumped by more than a quarter this past year which was boosted by increased travel and new site openings.

WH Smith reported a headline pre-tax profit in the year to 31 August of £243 million compare to £73 million the previous year.

Travel bought in £164 million trading profit compare to £32 million of the high street part of the business, but high street sales dropped by 1% to £469 million.

Carl Cowling, group chief executive, said, “This has been another year of significant progress for the group.

“We have started the new financial year well with total revenue in travel UK up 13%, North America up 15%, and rest of world up 27%.

“With good trading and very positive prospects, despite the uncertainty in the economic environment, we are confident in the group’s outlook for the new financial year.”