By James Atkinson
Woolworths Australian Food and Liquor sales for the quarter to October 6 were $10.6 billion, an increase of $0.5 billion or 4.5 per cent on the previous year.
The retailer’s comparable store sales for the quarter increased 2.5 per cent, as compared with rival Coles’ like-for-like sales growth of 3.4 per cent.
Woolworths director of liquor Brad Banducci said liquor had a pleasing start to the year with the first quarter delivering solid growth across each of its major brands.
“Highlights for the quarter include the success of our Dan Murphy’s and BWS Father’s Day and Footy Finals marketing campaigns,” he said.
“The Dan Murphy’s online business continues to experience strong growth with sales for the quarter more than double the prior year.”
Woolworths opened two Dan Murphy’s during the quarter bringing the total to 177.
Hotel sales for the quarter through the ALH Group business were $403 million, an increase of 6.3 per cent on the previous year. Comparable sales increased 3.7 per cent for the quarter.
ALH Group CEO Bruce Mathieson Jnr said: “In August, we cycled the introduction of the Victorian gaming regulatory changes which provided an uplift to sales in the prior year and also part of the current quarter.”
“However, we have seen a continuation of challenging trading conditions with sales subdued. Pleasing Food sales during the quarter reflects our ongoing focus on developing the ‘family friendly’ features of our venues.”
ALH opened one hotel during the quarter bringing the total number of venues to 327.