WH Smith increases annual outlook amid travel trading boom

Retailer WH Smith has upped its full-year guidance again after sales jumped higher thanks to the ongoing bounce-back in travel.
By Greg Wright
Published 31st May 2023, 09:52 BST

The group said like-for-like sales in its travel arm surged 18 per cent higher in the 13 weeks to May 27, while its high street shops notched up a 3 per cent rise. Total group-wide revenues raced 23 per cent higher across both businesses, with like-for-like sales up 14 per cent. WH Smith said its expectations for the full year have “modestly improved” since its update last month, when it also upped its guidance.

WH Smith said: “The group is in a good position as we approach the peak summer trading period.

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“Trading is strong across all three travel divisions, and we are very well positioned to capitalise on the substantial growth drivers across our markets. Since our announcement on April 20, our expectations for the full financial year have modestly improved.”

The firm is enjoying a boom in trading across its stores based at sites including airports and railway stations thanks to the recovery in travel worldwide.