WHSmith has recorded an increase in sales at its travel division as it posts flat total group sales for the start of its financial year.

WHSmith has increased like-for-likes at its travel division

Like-for-likes at WHSmith Travel, which includes stores located in airports and train stations, increased 2% for the 10 weeks to November 8 as total sales at the division rose 7%.

However, like-for-likes across the group fell 1% during the period as WHSmith High Street recorded a 5% dip in total sales and a 4% fall in like-for-likes.

WHSmith reported gross margin increased and cost saving initiatives are on track.

Retail analyst Nick Bubb said the results mark a “red-letter” day for WHSmith following the upturn in like-for-likes at its travel division.

WHSmith believes the new financial year “has started well” ahead of its peak trading period.

Last month the retailer revealed it would return ÂŁ50m of cash to shareholders via a rolling share buyback programme and as of November 11 it had purchased 600,000 shares and returned ÂŁ6.1m to shareholders.

WHSmith unveiled the buyback scheme at the same time as it reported full-year pre-tax profits rose 9% despite a 3% like-for-like sales dip for the year ending August 31.

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