WH Smith
This coverage examines WH Smith’s operations and strategy within the UK retail sector, focusing on travel and high-street store performance, product range adaptations, supply chain logistics, and digital initiatives. Reporting highlights leadership decisions, market positioning, and consumer trends, offering insights for retail executives, category managers, and professionals in travel and convenience retail.
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Mar- 2025 -10 MarchHigh Street
Two bidders remain in running for WH Smith high street arm
Only two firms reportedly remain in the running to acquire WH Smith’s high street business, with a possible decision coming sometime this spring, according to Sky News. The news outlet revealed that Alteri Investors, which owns Bensons for Beds, and the Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop owner Modello Capital…
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Feb- 2025 -10 FebruaryHigh Street
New WH Smith owner ‘could close’ half of high street stores, experts warn
Any potential new WH Smith owner could close at least half of the retailer’s 500 high street stores if they take over the business, The Guardian has reported. It comes as industry experts told the outlet that they could see a reduction in the size of the business after any…
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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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28 JanuaryHigh Street
HMV owner eyes bid for WH Smith’s high street arm
The owner of HMV is reportedly considering snapping up WH Smith’s high street arm, after the retailer this week confirmed it was exploring a potential sale of its 500 high street stores. According to The Sun, it is understood that HMV owner Doug Putman is now in talks with advisers over…
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27 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/1/25
WH Smith is exploring the sale of its high street arm to focus on its global Travel business, which now contributes 75% of revenue and 85% of profits. The potential sale, managed by bankers at Greenhill, comes amid a 9% decline in high street profits to £39m, although group revenue…
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27 JanuaryHigh Street
WH Smith explores sale of high street arm
WH Smith has confirmed that it is exploring the potential sale of its high street stores as it looks to restructure the business, which has seen its Travel business continue to outperform high street outlets in recent years.Over the weekend, Sky News reported that the retailer has been in negotiations…
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Sep- 2024 -11 SeptemberHigh Street
WH Smith group sales rise 7% amid strong travel growth
WH Smith has reported a 7% rise in group revenues and 5% rise in like-for-like sales for the 12 months to 31 August, driven by travel which was up 10%. The group’s travel category delivered strong growth because of category development and enhancing ranges, most notably in food and drinks,…
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Jun- 2024 -5 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith maintains FY guidance amid rising travel sales
WH Smith has reported being in line with its expectations for the full year and claimed it is “well positioned” for peak summer trading, as total summer travel revenues in the 13 weeks to 1 June rose 9% on a constant currency basis. This comes as the retailer saw passenger…
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Apr- 2024 -25 AprilNews
Today’s news in brief-25/4/24
Getir is set to exit the UK and Europe as investors inject additional funds into the company, according to Sky News. The funding, expected to be in the tens of millions of pounds, will support the closure of operations in the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. The move follows restructuring…
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25 AprilHigh Street
WH Smith revenues rise 8% in H1 amid travel boost
WH Smith has reported that total revenues rose 8% to £926m in the six months ending 29 February, largely boosted by sales in its travel division, which rose by 13%. Although high street trading profits dipped to £22m, down from £24m last year, travel profits rose from £47m to £50m. …
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