12 November 2008
WH SMITH PLC
Interim Management Statement
WH Smith PLC is today publishing its Interim Management Statement as required by the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency rules, relating to the period from 1 September 2008 to 8 November 2008.
CURRENT TRADING
Total Group sales in the first 10 weeks of the financial year were +4% compared to the same period last year reflecting the impact of recent acquisitions and new business wins.
WH Smith High Street like for like sales were -4%, in line with our expectations.
WH Smith Travel like for like sales were flat in the period. Whilst airport passenger numbers in this period have, as expected, been soft, we have outperformed.
PROSPECTS
Whilst we remain cautious about the consumer environment and anticipate competitive trading in our markets over the key Christmas period, we have planned accordingly, and the current financial year has started as we expected.
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Enquiries:
WH Smith PLC |
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Mark Boyle |
Investor Relations |
020 7851 8820 |
Sarah Heath |
Media Relations |
020 7851 8850 |
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Brunswick |
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Tom Buchanan |
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020 7404 5959 |