 Woolworth said sales of different products was "very mixed" |
Woolworths says that it suffered a decline in sales in the first part of the year and has warned that retail conditions remain "challenging". Total sales fell 0.4% in the 19 weeks to June 10 amid what the company described as "difficult" conditions on the High Street.
Sales of books and DVDs were particularly weak, contributing to a 6.5% drop in like-for-like sales.
The firm said it would continue to invest in stores to raise performance.
World Cup effect
Trading at 54 recently-refurbished outlets had been "encouraging", it noted in a statement ahead of its annual general meeting.
However, Woolworths said it expected the World Cup to subdue general shopping activity in the next few weeks.
"We anticipate that the retail environment will continue to be challenging," said chairman Gerald Corbett.
"Against that background, the board will remain focused on controlling costs and generating cash."
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