Travel revenues up 16 per cent for Swindon-based WH Smith

Published by

Daniel Face

Wiltshire’s WH Smith has announced revenues up 16 per cent at its global travel business for the 20-week period ended 20th January 2024.

The same period saw revenues for the whole group rise by 8 per cent, including 1 per cent growth for its UK high street division.

During that time, the company opened its largest UK travel store at Birmingham airport, and is now on track to open more than 110 outlets this financial year.

Carl Cowling, group chief executive, said: “I am pleased with the start to the financial year.

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“Our travel business is growing strongly across all our divisions and we’ve seen a notably strong performance in the UK, our largest division.

“We successfully opened our store at Birmingham airport and have received very positive feedback from both landlord and customers.

“We continue to make excellent progress in North America, and I’m particularly excited by the substantial growth opportunities that exist in this market.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire team, and in particular, our store colleagues who have worked exceptionally hard serving our customers across the globe during this period.

“The group is trading well and is in its strongest ever position as a global travel retailer. We’re confident of another year of significant growth in 2024.”

Interim results for the year are due on 25th April.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.