WHSmith's like-for-like sales fell 5 per cent in the 20 weeks to January 17 but it has continued to maintain strong gross margins across the business.
At its high street stores like-for-like sales fell 7 per cent for the period.
At its travel arm total sales jumped 20 per cent and like-for-likes slipped 1 per cent, despite falling passenger numbers.
Sales for the group were flat and WHSmith said that despite a challenging trading period it maintained tight cost control across the business with increased gross margins.
WHSmith group chief executive Kate Swann said: "As anticipated, trading conditions on the high street were challenging over the Christmas period.
"However, we continue to successfully deliver our strategy and maintain operational flexibility, increasing gross margins and accelerating our cost reduction plans. We are pleased with the progress in our travel business, despite the expected weaker passenger numbers in air.”
She added: “Looking ahead, we expect consumer spending in our markets to remain subdued and we have planned accordingly.”
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