Group turnover and concession sales for the total group decreased by 16.4%, with its South African fashion, beauty and home business delivering turnover growth of 1.4%, while the food business grew sales by 11.2%, further buoyed by the inclusion of the Absolute Pets acquisitions in Q4. On a comparable basis and from continuing operations, group turnover grew by 6.2% and by 5.6% on a constant currency basis. Woolworths said its fashion business was impacted by the weak macro environment, poor product availability due to congestion at the ports ‘and increased competition from the disruptive entry of international online retailers’.

The cold weather also arrived late in winter, delaying shopping for winter clothes. In Australia and New Zealand, retail trading conditions have deteriorated further in the second half, with consumer sentiment at near-record lows and the prolonged cost of living crisis continuing to impact footfall and discretionary spend, Woolworths said. As a result, sales at its fashion Country Road business fell by 6.8%.