Woolworths annual sales helped by second-half improvement

Source: Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko

Its South African fashion beauty and home business grew turnover and concession sales in the 52 weeks ended 26 June by 5.4%, supported by new winter ranges, market share gains in its categories such as denim, and a stronger performance from the rest of Africa, Woolworths said in a trading update.

Food sales grew by 4.2%, reflecting the return to out-of-home consumption, an increasingly competitive grocery environment and low product inflation across key categories, it said.

Australia, New Zealand business

In Australia and New Zealand, upmarket department chain David Jones and fashion chain Country Road Group reported a better-than-expected rebound in sales in the second half as restrictions eased in the region.

In the first half, government-enforced restrictions across the region required the closure of stores representing more than 70% of its brick-and-mortar sales base for an extended period.

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David Jones' sales grew by 4.3% in the second half, post the easing of lockdown restrictions but dipped by 2.6% for the full year ended 26 June.

Country Road on the other hand grew full-year sales by 3.1%, "driven primarily by a strong performance from the Country Road, Trenery and Politix brands, following the successful launch of new ranges and the ongoing focus on brand and product positioning," Woolworths said.