The company reported Australian food and liquor sales of A$7.6 billion for the third quarter, a 9.3% increase compared to the sales for the same period in 2007.
Comparable store sales in food and liquor for the third quarter of 2008 increased by 7.3% (6.7% Easter adjusted), as the company cycle a comparable sales growth of 6.6% in the same period of 2007.
New Zealand supermarkets achieved sales of A$1.1 billion for the third quarter of 2008. Comparable sales for the third quarter of 2008 were 6.3% (6.2% Easter adjusted).
Petrol sales for the third quarter of 2008, including Woolworths/Caltex alliance sites, increased by 19.7% (21.2% Easter adjusted) reflecting higher petrol prices. Petrol comparable sales increased 15.7% (17.1% Easter adjusted) during the third quarter of 2008.
BIG W sales grew by 13.1% (10.4% Easter adjusted) continuing the positive momentum for the first half. Comparable sales in the third quarter of 2008 were 6.2% (3.8% Easter adjusted). Total consumer electronics sales grew by 13.7% (16.7% Easter adjusted) during the third quarter of 2008.
Michael Luscombe, CEO of Woolworths, said: Our businesses are well positioned and Woolworths continues to gain value from the solid platform created by continuing to focus on lower costs, lower prices and on-going management emphasis on range, quality, value and convenience for the customer, right across the organization.
