WH Smith in talks to sell off its high street arm

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Retailer WH Smith has confirmed it is currently in talks to sell the company's high street arm. The chain opened its first outlet 230 years ago, and since then has gone on to open around 500 locations.

Now, the company has said it is "exploring potential strategic options" for its high street arm. It added that this could include the possibility of selling it off.

Recent years have seen WH Smith shifting its focus away from the high street. Instead, it is now focussing on its travel locations including in airports, hospitals, and train stations.

A statement from the company said: “WH Smith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the group, including a possible sale." High street business now accounts for about 15 percent of the annual group trading profit.