The Retailer Saw Its Pre-Tax Profit Rise Three Per Cent.

The retailer saw its pre-tax profit rise three per cent.

WHSmith has revealed a pre-tax profit rise to £69 million, despite its like for like sales falling four per cent in its first half of the year.

The retailer saw its pre-tax profit rise three per cent, while like for likes in its high street stores dropped six per cent and total sales fell seven per cent.

However, as the business continues its cost saving initiative, WHSmith said it had delivered £9 million in savings from its high street business over the first half with a further £5 million identified.

Meanwhile, in its travel stores like for like sales dipped one per cent and total sales edged up two per cent, while trading profit increased to £30 million, report Retail Week.