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WH Smith plans to open more stores after Christmas boost WH Smith plans to open more stores after Christmas boost
(about 17 hours later)
WH Smith is keeping faith in the high street after revealing a rise in profits over Christmas despite falling sales.WH Smith is keeping faith in the high street after revealing a rise in profits over Christmas despite falling sales.
The retailer is planning to open about six more stores in the UK this year as better buying terms in the far east, less discounting after Christmas and a shift towards more profitable stationary products offset a 5% drop in underlying sales in the 20 weeks to January 20. The retailer is planning to open about six more stores in the UK this year as better buying terms in the far east, less discounting after Christmas and a shift towards more profitable stationery products offset a 5% drop in underlying sales in the 20 weeks to January 20.
Strong sales of Christmas bestsellers, led by Jamie Oliver's 15 Minute Meals and Miranda Hart's autobiography, helped the company hold market share in books despite some heavy discounting in December which drove down book sales at the retailer by 6%. The company found £4m of savings at its high street stores, according to analysts.Strong sales of Christmas bestsellers, led by Jamie Oliver's 15 Minute Meals and Miranda Hart's autobiography, helped the company hold market share in books despite some heavy discounting in December which drove down book sales at the retailer by 6%. The company found £4m of savings at its high street stores, according to analysts.
"We were pleased with our performance in a tough environment," said chief executive Kate Swann. "We are in a fortunate position that we know we have got a good balance sheet and are very cash generative so can keep growing.""We were pleased with our performance in a tough environment," said chief executive Kate Swann. "We are in a fortunate position that we know we have got a good balance sheet and are very cash generative so can keep growing."
She said the company would continue to expand abroad and was looking at further acquisitions after making a success of Funky Pigeon, the online card store it bought three years ago.She said the company would continue to expand abroad and was looking at further acquisitions after making a success of Funky Pigeon, the online card store it bought three years ago.
City analysts moved up annual profits forecasts by an average £0.5m to £106m. At Swann's last annual meeting with shareholders on Wednesday before her departure from the company in June, about 50 shareholders gave her a round of applause and thanked her for keeping the company alive through 10 years of tough times.City analysts moved up annual profits forecasts by an average £0.5m to £106m. At Swann's last annual meeting with shareholders on Wednesday before her departure from the company in June, about 50 shareholders gave her a round of applause and thanked her for keeping the company alive through 10 years of tough times.
Darren Ager of Charles Stanley, said: "Who would have thought in 2003 that WH Smith could deliver these kind of returns. The reason is Kate's attention to detail." A clearly uncomfortable Swann responded: "Thanks, let's move on."Darren Ager of Charles Stanley, said: "Who would have thought in 2003 that WH Smith could deliver these kind of returns. The reason is Kate's attention to detail." A clearly uncomfortable Swann responded: "Thanks, let's move on."
Swann said she did not think WH Smith would see much benefit from the closure of chains including Jessops, Blockbuster and HMV, as it no longer sold CDs and DVDs. The company is adding stores in locations, such as small market towns, where it does not have any outlets.Swann said she did not think WH Smith would see much benefit from the closure of chains including Jessops, Blockbuster and HMV, as it no longer sold CDs and DVDs. The company is adding stores in locations, such as small market towns, where it does not have any outlets.
WH Smith will spend £5m this year on expanding Funky Pigeon, which experienced strong double-digit sales growth this Christmas. Swann said the company's online business, including its main books and stationary site, would become profitable this year. WH Smith will spend £5m this year on expanding Funky Pigeon, which experienced strong double-digit sales growth this Christmas. Swann said the company's online business, including its main books and stationery site, would become profitable this year.
Shares slid 2p to 650p making it a disappointing day for those investors who had been betting against WH Smith.Shares slid 2p to 650p making it a disappointing day for those investors who had been betting against WH Smith.
The retailer has been the second most shorted stock on the FTSE for some time. Just over 18% of its shares are out on loan to investors who believe they can buy them back more cheaply later. The shares have risen 2% since the end of October when 11% of the stock was shorted.The retailer has been the second most shorted stock on the FTSE for some time. Just over 18% of its shares are out on loan to investors who believe they can buy them back more cheaply later. The shares have risen 2% since the end of October when 11% of the stock was shorted.
• This article was amended on 24 January 2013 to correct the spelling of stationery.