UK. WHSmith this week issued a trading update on its performance from 1 March to 10 June, with Travel division sales climbing by +8% year-on-year. Of this, +2% related to foreign exchange benefits from its international business. Like for like sales grew by +5% in the division.
Total group sales were up by +2% with like for like sales flat across the business.
On the Travel business, the company noted:
“This sales performance reflects our ongoing focus on customer service, execution, space and category management as well as the continued increase in passenger numbers.”
WHSmith said it was on target to open 15 units in the UK this year and has won contracts for further units internationally including six units in Rome which will open in July.
