Annual profits have risen by 4.5% at WH Smith as the Swindon-based retailer continues to implement cost cutting and margin improvement rather than achieve sales growth.
Pre-tax profits were £93m in the year to August 31 despite sales falling 3% to £1.27bn.
The group has more than 580 high street stores and 530-plus outlets at airports, train stations, hospitals, motorway service stations and work places.
WH Smith has focused on more profitable products, better sourcing and better control of markdowns to drive profits growth rather than discounting.
Chief executive Kate Swann said: “The economic conditions remain challenging, however we have planned accordingly.”
