WHSmith bounce back

WH smith returned to growth at Christmas after depressed sales during the pandemic.

its travel business flourished as revenue rose 41pc higher over the 20 weeks to January 14 compared to the same period a year earlier.

Even compared to Christmas 2019, sales were up by a fifth, the business said. But its high street stores have struggled of late with sales down 2pc compared to the year before, which was affected by Covid and by 14pc compared to 2019.

Chief executive Carl Cowling said: ‘the group is in its strongest ever position as a global travel retailer.’

UK sales rose 70pc yearon-year in the UK, 31pc in north america and 198pc in the rest of the world.