| Wed 15 Jan 2014, 16:21 | | WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED - Trading update: 26 weeks to 29 December 2013 |
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WHL 201401150036A
Trading update: 26 weeks to 29 December 2013
Woolworths Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1929/001986/06
Share code: WHL
ISIN: ZAE000063863
(“the Group”)
TRADING UPDATE: 26 WEEKS TO 29 DECEMBER 2013
Clothing sales in South Africa increased by 10.7% for the first 26 weeks of the 2014 financial year
over the comparable 26 week period in 2013, with price movement of 5.0%. Sales in comparable
stores grew by 8.8%. Retail space including stores in the rest of Africa, grew by 4.2% (net of
closures) since December 2012.
Food sales grew by 15.3% with a price movement of 7.2%. Sales in comparable stores grew by
11.8%. Retail space including stores in the rest of Africa grew by 5.9% (net of closures) since
December 2012.
General merchandise grew by 6.9% and by 5.1% in comparable stores.
Woolworths stores were closed on 15 December for the funeral of Nelson Mandela.
Sales in Australia and New Zealand, including the Witchery group, increased by 28.9%, in
Australian dollar terms. Sales in comparable stores increased by 5.5% and net space, excluding
the Witchery group acquisition, grew 4.2%. Country Road’s South African sales are included in the
South African clothing figures.
The Woolworths Financial Services debtors’ book reflected year on year growth of 13.8% at the
end of December 2013, with the annualised impairment rate, inclusive of collection costs, for the
six months to December 2013 at 4.3% (six months to December 2012: 2.7% restated to include
collection costs).
Shareholders are advised that the financial information contained in this announcement has not
been audited, reviewed or reported upon by the Group’s external auditors.
The Group’s interim results for the 26 week period to 29 December 2013 are scheduled to be
announced on or about 13 February 2014.
Contact:
Ian Moir (Group chief executive officer) on 021 407 2809
Reeza Isaacs (Group finance director) on 021 407 2464
InvestorRelations@woolworths.co.za
Cape Town
15 January 2014
Sponsor
RAND MERCHANT BANK (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
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