Pre-close period update

Smith WH PLC
28 August 2003

28 August 2003



                                  WH SMITH PLC
                            PRE-CLOSE PERIOD UPDATE



WH Smith PLC will today commence its pre-close season analyst meetings ahead of
its year end on 31 August 2003.


In the second half, like for like sales in the High Street business will be flat
due to a highly competitive sales environment and the recent hot weather, which
has reduced footfall.  Gross margin in the second half of the year will fall by
approximately 60 basis points, primarily as a result of margin decline within
the Entertainment category.  However, gross contribution from Books, Stationery
and News and Express will be satisfactory.  Overhead costs have been tightly
controlled.


The impact of the Iraq war and SARS on airport passenger numbers have led us to
reduce our forecasts for the UK Travel Retail business.


As a result of the above, the UK Retail business will deliver results below
market expectations.


The remaining businesses in the Group have traded broadly in line with
expectations.


Despite the slowdown in the UK Retail business in the second half of the year,
the cash generation of the UK businesses remains solid.


The Group is continuing to review all its options in respect of the US Travel
Retail businesses and anticipates being in a position to update the market in
the near future.



ENDS



Enquiries:


WH Smith PLC

Mark Boyle             -     Investor Relations                    020 7514 9630
Louise Evans           -     Media Relations                       020 7514 9624

Brunswick

Timothy Grey                                                       020 7404 5959




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