WHSmith Travel’s ‘like-for-like’ sales grew by 5% over the five-week period ending 2 January, with total sales up 12% and the company’s UK and international store opening programme ‘on track’ according to Group CEO Stephen Clarke.

 

By contrast, the retailer’s High Street division in the UK reported flat like-for-like sales, with sales actually falling by one per cent over the full 20-week period. At the same time, ‘like-for-like sales’ grew by 2% over the 5-week Christmas period to 2 January 2016.

 

The company said this ‘Christmas performance’ reflects successful promotions in its stationery and seasonal categories and continued good sales of ‘colour therapy’ in books.

 

 

Clarke said: “In Travel, we continue to benefit from the impact of our growth initiatives and the improvement in passenger numbers. As a result of the strong sales performance in High Street over the 5-week Christmas period, we expect profit growth for the year to be slightly ahead of plan.”

 

He added that profitable growth and cash generation will remain central to the company’s plans to invest in new future opportunities.

 

WHSmith is one of several travel retailers in the UK that is currently being approached by HM Treasury’s review team, which is reviewing the VAT-reclaim system for travellers. This review was announced on December 31 and is expected to be made public by the 16 March budget.