Wh Smith revealed a drop in street sales in the midst of discussions on the sale of 500 of its British stores.
Its high street sales dropped 6% in the 21 weeks to January 25, covering the key Christmas period, down 3% compared to the previous year.
The company already plans to close 17 stores in the United Kingdom in 2025, having closed 14 in the past financial year.
But despite the difficulties in the main street, Wh Smith saw a boost of his travel arm, saying that his travel activities “delivered another excellent performance”, with plans to develop in the United States.
Carl Cowling, group managing director, said: “The group is in a strong position, and although there is a certain economic uncertainty, we are confident of another year of good growth in 2025.”
The British historical activity, created 233 years ago, confirmed that it had had weekend talks about the possibility of selling its street stores, which employ around 5,000 people, to focus on its trade in Detail, which operates from airports, stations and hospitals.
He told the BBC that post offices in 195 of his stores would remain if the sale of this part of his activities was continuing.
The commercial side of the retail sale of Wh Smith now represents more than 85% of its profits and operates 1,200 stores in 32 countries.
The company said in its latest results that it planned to open more stores in American airports.
“In North America, we have noticed a significant change in the growth of similar income, up 3%, due to the actions we have taken to improve our ranges and introduce new categories,” said Cowling.
He announced that the retailer had “won” contracts for eight stores at Orlando airport in Florida, in addition to four other stores at Portland airport in Oregon and forecasts 60 stores in total in states- United.
Back in the United Kingdom, the retailer said he had left the Christmas negotiation period on the right track to offer his target of annual cost savings of 11 million pounds sterling.
Analysts predicted that his street business could be sold for 100 million pounds sterling or more in the coming months.
The reports have suggested that invading capital contenders are considering an agreement to take control of the retailer stores.