While its travel division has gone from strength to strength, on the 28th March 2025, WhSmith announced the sale of its UK High Street business to Modella Capital, which will be finalised by the end of June 2025.

WHSmith has released a trading update which shows the retailer is well positioned for the peak summer trading period as a pure play travel retailer, as it strengthens focus on cost and cash discipline and boosting opportunities in existing markets.

In a trading update released on Wednesday 4 June, the retailer noted:  Our global travel business continues to perform well with total travel revenue in the 13 weeks to 31 May 2025 up 7% on a constant currency basis versus the prior year. The Group is on track to deliver the full year in line with expectations.

WHSmith said its UK division is growing and performing strongly. In the 13 weeks to 31 May 2025, total revenue was up 5% on last year with LFL revenue up 6%. Across its channels, like-for-like (LFL) revenue in Air was up 7%, Hospitals were up 3%, and Rail was up 6% in the period.

WHSmith noted it continues to invest in the quality of its UK store portfolio, having recently refitted 7 stores at Edinburgh airport, including a one-stop-shop format, a new standalone bookshop, and the first Smith’s Family Kitchen coffee proposition in an airport.

North America

Total revenue in its North America division during the 13 week period was up 7% on last year on a constant currency basis. LFL revenue was up 2%, reflecting strong spend per passenger growth, which the retailer attributed to its forensic approach to space management, including enhancing ranges broadening our categories.

Since its interim results announcement on the April 16 2025, WHSmith’s expectations for the full financial year are unchanged.

In its Air business – the largest part of its North America division combining the Travel Essentials and InMotion businesses – LFL revenue was up 4% with total growth on a constant currency basis up 9%.

Store openings in Air in the period now include 10 new stores across airports including, Calgary, Denver, Detroit and Washington.

Rest of the World

WHSmith noted it is making good progress in growing its Rest of the World business, and the opportunities are significant.

Total revenue for the 13 week period to 31 May 2025 was up 12% on last year on a constant currency basis and up 7% on a LFL basis, as passenger numbers continue to improve across these markets.

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