In 2024, WHSmith saw group revenue rise by 7% compared to the year before, with total travel revenue rising by 10%. UK travel rose by 12% for the full year, while North America and the rest of the world grew by 6% and 15% respectively. Its travel division performed particularly well in the second half of the year, boosted by the broadening of categories and ranges across food and drinks, health and beauty, and technology.

In the UK, WHSmith launched its food-to-go offer, Smith’s Family Kitchen, which is exceeding expectations, and Smith’s Kitchen Café at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. WHSmith’s high street business is also performing in line with expectations. The retailer expects to open an additional 37 Toys R Us shop-in-shops before Christmas to reach a total of 76.