WH Smith looking to open 110 stores this year
High street retailer WH Smith says revenues were up eight per cent as the Swindon company enjoyed a strong end to the year.
The retailer added that it was looking to open 110 new stored over the next 12 months as it expands across the globe.
Carl Cowling, group chief executive said: “I am pleased with the start to the financial year. 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 per cent and like-for-like revenue up 14 per cent.
“During the period, we successfully opened our largest UK Travel store at Birmingham airport – a one-stop-shop for travel essentials – and we have received very positive feedback from both landlord and customers.”
He added: “We continue to make excellent progress in North America, and I am particularly excited by the substantial growth opportunities that exist in this market. We are on track to open over 50 new stores in North America this financial year.
“In total, we are on track to open over 110 stores this financial year.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire team, and in particular, our store colleagues who have worked exceptionally hard serving our customers across the globe during this period.
“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.”
