Overview

• 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.