WH Smith has revealed a drop in High Street sales amid talks of selling 500 of its UK shops. Its High Street sales fell 6% in the 21 weeks to January 25, covering the key Christmas period, down 3% on the previous year.

High streets across the UK face big changes this month as the retail sector prepares for a fresh wave of store closures.

The group said total high street sales dropped 6% in the 21 weeks to January 25, down 3% on a like-for-like basis, while travel shops saw 6% growth.

British retailer WH Smith Plc’s potential sale of its high street business risks triggering an event of default on its debt, according to the convertible bond desk at Jefferies.