WH Smith has said that total sales for the first 14 weeks of the financial year were flat with like-for-like sales down 2%, compared to the same period last year. In a statement, the company said that these results reflected a “continuing improvement in sales trends”.

WH Smith High Street total sales were down 4% and like-for-like sales were also down 4% in the period. Gross margins continue to increase and cost savings have been delivered “in line with plan”.

Commenting on the results, the company said: “We confirm that our financial position is in line with market expectations and our balance sheet remains strong.”