Pre Close Trading Update

WH Smith PLC
14 August 2007



                                  WH SMITH PLC
                                        
                            PRE CLOSE TRADING UPDATE

WH Smith PLC will announce preliminary results for the year ending 31 August 
2007 on Thursday 11 October 2007. Prior to its close period, the Company today 
issues the following pre close trading update.

In the High Street Retail business our focus on gross margin gains and tight 
cost control continues to deliver a solid performance. The Travel Retail 
business continues its strong performance and is making good progress.

Accordingly WH Smith PLC expects the outcome for the year to 31 August 2007 to 
be towards the top of market expectations.

The WH Smith PLC preliminary results investor and analyst presentation for the 
year ending 31 August 2007 will be held at 9.00 am on Thursday 11 October 2007 
at Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London EC1A 1HQ.

                                     -Ends-

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC
Mark Boyle                   Investor Relations               020 7851 8820
Sarah Heath                  Media Relations                  020 7851 8850

Brunswick
Tom Buchanan                                                  020 7404 5959
Pam Small




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