Stationery and book retailer WHSmith is eyeing Ireland and Scandinavia as it seeks to expand overseas.

WHSmith chief executive Kate Swann said international expansion is an option for the chain, which yesterday reported Christmas trading ahead of City expectations.


Swann told The Daily Telegraph: “With the Travel business, [overseas expansion] is definitely an option. It is not at the top of the list at the moment, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”


She said that WHSmith is not represented at all in Ireland and is considering areas of mainland Europe where English is spoken, such as Scandinavia.


Like-for-like sales in the 21 weeks to January 26 fell 3 per cent at WHSmith's high street division, but rose 3 per cent – excluding tobacco – at its fast-growing Travel division, which has stores in UK airports and railways. Both divisions improved their margins year on year.


WHSmith also announced plans to return£90 million of cash to shareholders.

WHSmith to return£90m to shareholders