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W H Smith looks to Europe

01.02.08

W H Smith, the stationery and book retailer, could open branches in train stations and airports in Ireland and Scandinavia as it looks to expand beyond the UK, reports the Telegraph. Kate Swann, the retailer's chief executive, said that international expansion is an option for the chain, which yesterday reported Christmas trading ahead of City expectations.

Swann said that overseas expansion of the Travel division, which she described as a "high growth, high opportunity" business, could be on the cards. "With the Travel business [overseas expansion] is definitely an option. It is not at the top of the list at the moment but I wouldn't rule it out," she said.

The company is also understood to be considering areas in mainland Europe where a large proportion of English is spoken, such as Scandinavia. She added that WH Smith is not represented in Ireland at all.


Telegraph

International W H Smith kate swann Ireland

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By Insider

Well, it seems as the overseas expansion was not that a long way down on Ms Swann's list after all. They (Smith) signed on a contract to run the bookstores at Copenhagen Airport, about a week ago. Discussions about the contract has been going on for the last month and a half, and as for now, the future of what is now "Global Books and News" (run by danish company Select Service Partner), will be called WH Smith from september/october this year. Get on it!

31 Mar 08 19:09

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