Woolworths records 4.3 per cent rise in sales

WoolworthsRetailing giant, Woolworths has recorded a 4.3 per cent increase in sales during the first quarter of the year as its supermarket division, Big W department store, hotels and home improvement chain saw strong demand.

The sales of the company were recorded at $15.2 billion during the 14 weeks to September 30. On the other hand, the petrol sales of the company fell and resulted in a fall in market share. The company managed to increase sales in its core markets, Australia and New Zealand by 3.4 per cent to $12.6 billion. Big W sales rose 6.2 per cent to $1.1 billion while Hotel sales were up 17.3 per cent to $379 million.

Woolworths chief Grant O'Brien pointed out that the amount spent by the shoppers at the company’s stores remained stable during the period under review. He also pointed out that the number of customers visiting the company’s stores increased during the period.

He also said that the consumer confidence might be increasing in the market but pointed out that the retailers in the country have not seen complete recovery yet.