WH Smith Explores Sale of 230-Year-Old High Street Business

The retailer plans to focus on its more profitable travel sector as it considers selling its 500 high street stores in the UK.

WH Smith has confirmed it is exploring strategic options, including a potential sale, for its high street division, which includes 500 stores and employs 5,000 people.
The high street arm accounts for only 15% of the group’s trading profit, while its travel business generates 75% of revenue and 85% of profits.
The company has shifted focus over the past decade to its travel retail operations, which include 1,200 stores globally, with significant growth in the US and hospital locations.
Challenges such as declining footfall, rising costs, and competition from online retailers have contributed to the struggles of WH Smith's high street stores.
Potential buyers for the high street division include turnaround investors, but no agreement has been reached, and further updates are expected.