WHSmith satisfied with travel stores performance

Retailer WHSmith has reported satisfactory sales at its travel stores despite the decline in passenger traffic at airports throughout the UK.

For the 20-week period ended 17 January, the company reported a one per cent decline in sales for its travel division, as compared with its high street sales figures, which decreased by seven per cent.

Even with the combined decrease of five per cent for the 20-week period, WHSmith stressed that its performance was solid, showing improved profit margins in both areas of operation.

Chief executive Kate Swann noted that as part of its three-to-five year strategy launched in 2005, the company has reduced its reliance on the entertainment market and focuses more on core books, stationery and confectionery.

Swann commented: “As anticipated, trading conditions on the high street were challenging over the Christmas period.” She added: “We are pleased with the progress in our travel business, despite the expected weaker passenger numbers in air.”

For its business other than the planned reduction in the entertainment market, WHSmith reported that like-for-like sales for the period declined by three per cent at its high street division. Its entertainment performance will also have been affected by difficulties at DVD and music supplier EUK.

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www.whsmithtravel.co.uk