By james art 
The company’s high street operation consists of around 500 stores, the first of which opened 230 years ago.
“WH Smith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash-generating part of the group, including a possible sale,” it said in a statement.
Over the past decade, the firm has focused on its more prolific retail business, which operates out of airports, train stations and hospitals.
The high street business now accounts for only around 15% of the group’s annual trading profit.
“Over the past decade, WH Smith has become a focused global travel retailer,” the statement continued.
“The group’s travel business has over 1,200 stores in 32 countries and three-quarters of the group’s revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the travel business.
“There can be no assurance that any agreement will be reached and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.”
The group reported underlying pre-tax profits of £166m for the year to August 31 – up from £143m the previous year.
But profits were flat at £32m in the high street business, despite a 2% drop in like-for-like sales thanks to cost-saving efforts.