British travel retailer WH Smith has reported a 7% increase in global travel revenue on a constant currency basis for the 13 weeks leading up to 31 May 2025.
The company’s travel divisions – the UK, North America and the Rest of the World – have all contributed to this positive outcome, with respective local currency and like-for-like (LFL) growth figures showcasing the brand’s expanding footprint.
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In the UK, WH Smith’s travel division showed a 5% revenue increase in the period compared to the previous year, with LFL revenue rising 6%. The Air channel experienced a 7% LFL revenue increase, while Hospitals and Rail channels saw increases of 3% and 6% respectively.
The company recently refurbished seven stores at Edinburgh Airport, introducing a one-stop-shop format, a standalone bookshop and the first Smith’s Family Kitchen coffee proposition.
The North America division has seen a 7% revenue growth on a constant currency basis, with a 2% rise in LFL revenue. This growth is attributed to a “forensic approach to space management,” as well as the resilience of the business.
The Air business, combining Travel Essentials and InMotion, reported a 4% increase in LFL revenue and a 9% total growth on a constant currency basis. New store openings in the region include ten locations across airports including Calgary, Detroit, Denver and Washington.
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By GlobalDataThe Rest of the World division also experienced significant growth, with a 12% increase in total revenue on a constant currency basis and a 7% rise in LFL revenue, buoyed by improving passenger numbers across these markets.
In March 2025, WH Smith announced the sale of its UK high street business to Modella Capital for £76m ($98m), with the transaction to be finalised by the end of June 2025.
Despite broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties, WH Smith remains optimistic about its peak summer trading period.
The company stated: “We are strengthening our focus on cost and cash discipline, and we are in a strong position to capitalise on substantial value creating opportunities that exist across our markets.”
