WH Smith UK high street sales fall as stores put on the market

The decision to put 500 UK high street WH Smith stores up for sale has created uncertainty for 5,000 staff. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian

WH Smith has reported falling sales in its UK high street stores, while revenues rose at its more successful travel arm, as the retail group attempts to off-load its ailing town centres division.

The retailer’s up-for-sale high street division – where it sells newspapers, books, stationery, cards and gifts – reported a 6% fall in sales in the 21 weeks to 25 January, compared with a year earlier.