"Britney Spears' Memoir Sparks Book Market Growth and Tops Bestseller Lists"

WH Smith, one of the largest booksellers in the UK, predicts growth in the country's book market this year, driven by strong sales of Britney Spears' memoir and Richard Osman's latest crime novel. The company reported a 75% increase in pre-tax profits to £110m, with sales rising 28% to £1.8bn, thanks to robust book sales and a rebound in travel. WH Smith's confidence in the market is supported by Bloomsbury's record profits in the first half of the year, attributed to a boom in fantasy fiction and strong sales of Harry Potter titles. The company's travel outlets, particularly in airports, led the recovery, with sales up 48%. WH Smith's international expansion also contributed to its growth, with sales doubling in European and international travel stores outside the US and Canada.