The transformation of the travel business to a one-stop-shop for travel essentials is delivering strong results, increasing average transaction values and returns.
Trading momentum continues across the group’s key markets with total travel revenue in the 13 weeks to 1 June 2024 up 9% on a constant currency basis versus the prior year. As part of its category development initiatives to expand the breadth and quality of food-to-go ranges, the group recently launched a new food-to-go brand, Smiths Family Kitchen, in more than 300 travel stores. Customer feedback has been positive.
And as the group enters its peak summer trading period it is on track to deliver the full year in line with expectations.
However, the retailer’s high street sales, including online are down 4%, and down 1% in like-for-like sales. The group has successfully opened five new Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops within its stores, with early feedback good. The group is on track to open a further 25 shop-in-shops in the balance of the financial year.
