A well-known retailer has today announced a drop in high street sales but still remains optimistic about the future.

WH Smith, which has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud said in a trading statement that total high-street sales for WH Smith have dropped four per cent in the 15-week period from 1 March to 10 June.

It said the like-for-like sales were also down by four per cent but this was in line with the company's expectations.

WH Smith is on target with its opening programme as it plans to open 15 units in the UK this year and a further six international units in Rome in July.

The retailer also announced that its Post Office opening programme is continuing as planned by now having relocated 58 of the 61 post offices, which brings the total number of Post Offices open within High Street stores to 165.

However, even though the High Street sales are down, the companies travel division continues to grow.

The total sales for the Travel business has risen eight per cent, and the like for like sales were up five per cent.

WH Smith said in the trading statement that: "This sales performance reflects our on-going focus on customer service, execution, space and category management as well as the continued increase in passenger numbers."

Altogether the total group sales were up two per cent and the like-for- like sales fell flat.

The company said: "Whilst there remains some uncertainty with regard to the broader economic environment, we continue to focus on profitable growth, cash generation and investing in the business to position us well for the future.

"We remain confident in the outcome for the full year."

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