WH Smith has seen revenues rise in the last 20 weeks, and says it is its 'strongest ever position as a global travel retailer'.

The high street retailer reported that total group had increased by 41% year-on-year for the 20 weeks to January 14, and by 20% compared with 2019.

Across its global travel business, WH Smith saw continued momentum since the start of the financial yearresulting in a strong 20 week performance up 48% on 2019 and up 77% on 2022. This isdespite passenger numbers remaining well below 2019 levels.

Carl Cowling, group chief executive, said:"The group has made a strong start to the financial year, with our global travel retailbusiness growing strongly across all regions.

"Our strategy to transform our customer offer continues at pace through broadening ourcategories and expanding our ranges, to include health and beauty and tech accessories,and is underpinned by a forensic approach to retail.

"We continue to make good progress with our store opening programme and, in the year todate, we have opened over 40 new stores. We have also won significant tenders at ReaganNational airport in Washington and Palm Springs airport in the US, as well as a further threeInMotion stores in Italy at Rome Fiumicino airport.

"This takes the total number of stores wehave won and yet to open to over 130. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team across the globe and, in particular, ourstore colleagues who have worked exceptionally hard serving our customers throughout thisbusy trading period.

"The group is in its strongest ever position as a global travel retailer. This strength,combined with the ongoing improvement in passenger numbers across the globe, meansthat we are confident of another year of significant growth in 2023."