Retailer WH Smith is to open 18 technology and accessory stores at UK airports, trading under its InMotion brand.

The news comes as the firm announced that its travel and high street businesses continue to be impacted by the current trading environment.

InMotion is already the largest airport-based digital accessories retailer in North America, with 117 stores across 43 airports in the United States.

InMotion sells a range of technology and digital equipment from brands including Apple and Samsung, with products such as premium headphones and earbuds, travel accessories, portable speakers and action cameras.

The stores at UK airports will include London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, London Luton, Birmingham and East Midlands.

In a fully recovered travel environment, the company anticipates these stores will deliver sales of around £60million a year.

The company says that sales through its travel and high street businesses are significantly down on 2019 figures, but it is encouraged by "improving trends". The Group as whole had revenue running at 62% of 2019 levels, with High Street at 86% and Travel at 48%.

Passenger numbers remain significantly down on 2019 but the company reports a gradual recovery in sales as restrictions ease.