WH SMITH is back in the black after footfall to airports and railway stations returned this year, following the opening up of society post-pandemic.

The high street staple posted group profit before tax of £63m for the year to the end of August, compared to a loss of £116m it booked the year previously.

The firm posted its highest ever annual revenue since its creation in 2006, raking in total sales of £1.4bn, up 58 per cent on the year before.

Total sales at the brand's travel hub shops came in at 148 per cent of 2019 levels over the 10-week period to 5 November, the London-listed firm said.

Carl Cowling, group chief executive, said the brand saw "significant scope to grow the brand globally", especially in North America. It is rolling out a pipeline of some 150 new stores across 16 countries, including branches in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

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