WH Smith Sees 16% Profit Surge Fueled by Global Travel Expansion

The retailer's focus on travel outlets boosts earnings, while high street stores face continued downsizing.

WH Smith reported a significant increase in annual profits, reaching £166 million, driven by its expanding travel business.
The company's travel division, including stores in airports and railway stations, saw a 15% rise in trading profits, with UK travel earnings up by 20%.
In North America, WH Smith plans to open around 60 new stores and is bidding for 15 more locations in major US airports.
Despite growth in travel, the high street division is shrinking, with 14 UK stores closed and only 15% of the group's trading profit now coming from this sector.
To revitalize its high street presence, WH Smith is introducing Toys R Us concessions and reintroducing vinyl records in selected stores.