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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Sarah Butler

Sushi, travel and high-end headphones help WH Smith profits double

People walk past a WH Smith store in London, Britain, April 16 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
Sales in WH Smith’s outlets in airports, train stations and hospitals jumped 75% to almost £600m in the six months to 28 February. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

Less than three years ago WH Smith, the chain once known for its chocolate promotions, magazines and stationery, had lost almost two-thirds of its stock market value as the pandemic damaged its UK high street business.

But now the retailer is reaping dividends from a transformation that means its typical customer is more likely to be picking up high-end headphones, a smartphone charger or some sushi – and may well be American.

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