WH Smith profits up as sales fall

WH Smith is a household name

WH Smith has reported an 8% rise in half-year profits despite a fall in sales, as it continues to refocus on selling books rather than DVDs and CDs.

Reporting its results for the six months to 29 February, the retailer's pre-tax profit rose to £64m from £59m for the same period a year earlier.

Group-wide like-for-like sales, which exclude new store openings, were down 2%, or 3% at its High Street shops.

Like-for-like sales at its airport and railway station shops rose 3%.

WH Smith said its profits were further helped by continuing cost-cutting work.