00:00WH Smith is in discussion to sell its High Street division of stores. The retailer has
00:05said it is shifting its focus to its more profitable travel retail business in airports,
00:11train stations and hospitals. At the moment, the High Street stores contribute just 15%
00:16of the group's annual trading profit. WH Smith is set to close 17 stores. A statement
00:22from the retailer said that WH Smith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options
00:28for this profitable and cash-generative part of the group, including a possible sale. The
00:34retailer originally opened its first shop 230 years ago. While some of the brand's
00:40High Street stores are set to close, WH Smith is also reportedly planning to open 90 new
00:45stores at different sites. In a statement to BBC News, WH Smith also described its partnership
00:52with the post office as an important part of its business and have confirmed that post
00:56offices will stay if a sale goes ahead.
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