By Anthony O. Goriainoff

U.K. retailer WH Smith said it had a good start to its fiscal year with increased revenue and strong growth across all travel divisions.

The company, which sells books, magazines and other items at airports and train stations as well as high-street stores, said Wednesday that in the 21 weeks to Jan. 25 revenue rose 4% on a constant-currency basis. It reported 6% revenue growth in North America on a constant-currency basis. The retailer said it had a new store pipeline of around 60 stores in the region.

WH Smith said its U.K. travel business had an excellent performance across all channels as it continued making good progress in rolling out its travel essentials format, with total revenue up 7%. Revenue across its travel divisions has had strong momentum since the start of fiscal 2025 and was up 8% on year on a constant-currency basis, it said.

It's U.K. high street division, which the company earlier this week said it was considering selling, had a 3% fall in like-for-like revenue, in line with the board's expectations. WH Smith said it was on track to deliver on its targeted 11 million pounds ($13.7 million) full-year cost savings.

"We have made a good start to the financial year and, while there is some economic uncertainty, we are confident of another year of good growth in 2025," it said.

Write to Anthony O. Goriainoff at anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 29, 2025 02:42 ET (07:42 GMT)

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