WHSmith has reported strong trading at its travel division and performance in line with expectations at its high street arm.

The retailer expects full-year profits to be in line with expectations for the year, following the sales update covering the 12 months to August 31.

WHSmith said its travel arm “continues to perform strongly with good sales across all channels”.

WHSmith reported that its hospital channel is now the second-largest business in its UK travel operation. Across the division, “gross margin is in line with plan” and the store opening programme at home and abroad is on track. There are now 428 shops outside the UK, including recently acquired digital travel accessories business InMotion, which opened its first British store at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The retailer said: “In addition, we see further opportunities to grow our news, books and convenience format in the international travel retail market, where we have a small market share.”

The retailer’s high street estate “continues to perform in line with expectations”. WHSmith said: “Consistent with our profit-focused strategy, cost savings and margin improvements have been delivered in line with plan.

“We continue to focus on our successful stationery business, developing new ranges and allocating additional space to the category in our high street stores. In addition, we now have 202 Post Offices open in our high street stores.

WHSmith will post full-year results on October 17 – the last set of numbers from chief executive Stephen Clarke, who has led the business to new heights of success. He will be succeeded by Carl Cowling at the start of November.

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