WH Smith mulls international strategy as travel stores shine

UK news, books and gifts retailer WH Smith is considering opening travel stores at airports and train stations beyond the UK, CEO Kate Swann told journalists at a results announcement yesterday. She said that countries including Ireland and some parts of Scandinavia could be target markets, although stressing that international expansion was not the group’s priority.

 

Like-for-like sales for the 21 weeks to January 26 at travel stores grew by 3%, excluding tobacco sales, while stores on UK high streets registered a 3% decrease in sales.

 

Swann described the retailer’s travel division as a "high growth, high opportunity" business. She said: "With the travel business [overseas expansion] is definitely an option. It is not at the top of the list at the moment but I wouldn't rule it out.”

 

Swann also said that there were no plans to separate the high street and travel-retail divisions at present.