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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Nov- 2023 -9 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief-9/11/23
Bridgestone has invested $3m for a 5% stake in Halfords’ Avayler business. Avayler, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider, helps automotive companies digitise their services, from online booking to invoicing. Under a 15-year Commercial Agreement, Avayler will provide Bridgestone with access to its software products and related services for use in Bridgestone’s…
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9 NovemberHigh Street
WH Smith revenues up 28% to £1.7bn in FY23
WH Smith has reported that total group revenues increased 28% to £1.7bn for the year ended 31 August, up from a total of £1.4bn in 2022, despite high street trading profits dipping from £33m in 2022 to £32m. The retailer did particularly well within the travel category, which saw trading…
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Oct- 2023 -25 OctoberNews
Today’s news in brief-25/10/23
Asos has pushed back the release of its FY23 results to 1 November 2023, citing the need for its auditor, PwC, to complete planned testing. PwC has assured that the outstanding procedures are of limited scope. Asos confirmed its performance up to 3 September 2023 aligns with the post-close trading…
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25 OctoberOnline & Digital
Virgin Wines sales fall by £10m in FY23
Virgin Wines has seen revenues fall to £59m in FY23, down from £69.2m, as the group battled with economic headwinds and the launch of a new Warehouse Management System over the period. As well as a fall in sales, profit before tax fell to £0.6m, down from £6.2m, while adjusted…
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Jul- 2023 -17 JulyOnline & Digital
Virgin Wines FY trading meets forecast
Virgin Wines has reported that full-year revenues are expected to be £59m, and profits of “no less than £0.5m” for the year ended 30 June 2023, with trading in line with expectations. It comes as the group said it continued to execute its “disciplined strategic approach” to customer acquisition, which…
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7 JulyHigh Street
Virgin Wines agrees strategic partnership with WH Smith
Virgin Wines has announced it has signed a new strategic partnership with WH Smith Travel which will see it stocked in a number of stores. The company said the agreement represents “significant progress” for Virgin Wines as part of the group’s strategic focus on commercial partnerships. An exclusively curated range…
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Jun- 2023 -30 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith to not open any more high street stores
WH Smith chief executive Carl Cowling has told the BBC that the retailer will not open any more UK high street stores, instead focusing on UK airports and train stations, as well as openings in the US and European markets. This comes as, over the past 20 years, the retailer…
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14 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith completes refinancing with £400m facility
WH Smith has completed the refinancing of its existing £363m lending facilities after securing a £400m sustainability-linked facility. The group’s existing £363m lending facilities, consisting of a £250m revolving credit facility and a £113m term loan have now been cancelled and repaid. The new RCF is for a five-year term,…
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May- 2023 -3 MayPeople Moves
John Lewis Partnership appoints new audit and risk committee chair
The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Nicky Dulieu to its board, where she will become chair of the audit and risk committee as well as a non-executive director. Joining with immediate effect, Dulieu succeeds Andy Martin, who has stepped down from the role after five years with the group. She…
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Apr- 2023 -20 AprilHigh Street
WH Smith revenues soar 41% amid rebound in travel
WH Smith has welcomed a strong performance in the first half of the year, with revenues rising by 41% to £859m, in part boosted by strong momentum in its Travel division, where revenues were up by 75% against the prior year. The group’s global Travel business benefited from a “significant”…
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