By Ian Neubauer
Woolworths has reported near double-digit sales increase across its Australian retail food and liquor outlets for the second half of 2008.
Total sales for the half-year were $16.9 billion, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the year before. The figure was marginally higher in the second quarter, increasing by 9.8 per cent compared to the year before.
Woolworths hotels reported sales increasing by 1 per cent to $592 million in the period, with seven new pubs added to the company’s portfolio.
The company attributed its continuing positive momentum to the talent of its people and customer focus, including the rollout of its Everyday Rewards Program and price re-investment.
“Woolworths has continued to reinvest in all its businesses to improve our stores, create jobs, add services, deliver value and create an even better shopping experience for our customers,” said Woolworths CEO, Michael Luscombe.
“This is a pleasing result in a more challenging economic environment and I am confident that we are well positioned to meet future challenges,” he said.
Woolworths shares were trading at $27.16 at 2:00pm today (Feb 2) compared to $26.20 seven days ago.