Sales at Swindon-based WH Smith strong as it prepares for peak trading period
Sales at Swindon-based retailer WH Smith are strong in key travel markets as it prepares for its peak trading period, the company told investors yesterday (Wednesday).
The retailer said total travel revenue in the 13 weeks to 27 May 2023 was up 31 per cent versus the prior year, meaning expectations for the full financial year have “modestly improved”.
Read more: It's back to black for WH Smith as we all start travelling again
Total revenue compared to the prior year was up 26 per cent in air and up 33 per cent in hospitals. Rail was up 10 per cent despite the ongoing impact of industrial action.
In the High Street division, total revenue, including online, was up two per cent in the 13-week period to 27 May 2023. Store network performed well with total revenue up two per cent versus the comparative period last year.
"The Group is in a good position as we approach the peak summer trading period," it said.
Read more: WH Smith's travel business bounces back from Covid
"Trading is strong across all three travel divisions, and we are very well positioned to capitalise on the substantial growth drivers across our markets.
"Since our announcement on the 20 April, our expectations for the full financial year have modestly improved."
The company, which started with newsstands at London railway stations in the mid-1800s, has invested heavily in airports and railways, where competition from online retailers is dampened, and now bills itself as The Global Travel Retailer.
