WHSmith said it was in its “strongest ever position as a global travel retailer” as sales surged over the golden quarter.
Revenue for the high street and travel retailer jumped 8% in the 20 weeks to 20 January, as like-for-likes rose 5%.
This was boosted by a 13% increase in sales for its travel arm helping to offset a 4% decline in its high street and online business, which the retailer said was in line with its expectations.
In-store like-for-like sales were down 3%, while for the four weeks to December 30, sales edged up 1%.
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WHSmith chief executive Carl Cowling said: “The group is trading well and is in its strongest ever position as a global travel retailer. We are confident of another year of significant growth in 2024.”
“Our travel business is growing strongly across all our divisions and we have seen a notably strong performance in the UK, our largest division, with total revenue up 15% and like-for-like revenue up 14%.
Cowling said the business was making “excellent progress” in growing its exposure and reaching its 50 new store openings target in North America.
He said that across the business, WHSmith is on track to open over 110 stores this financial year.
The retailer launched its brand-new hospital coffee shop format in Sheffield earlier this month ahead of a nationwide roll out.
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