Woolworths, a major retail group, has announced a rise of 2.7 percent in its total sales for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The increase, which pushed the company’s revenue to $18.5 billion, is mainly due to a surge in food sales and the expansion of its on-demand services.
The company’s e-commerce sales experienced significant growth, rising by 13.2 percent to reach $2.7 billion. Australian food sales also saw an increase of 2.1 percent, amounting to $13.8 billion. This was largely fueled by an increase in the sales of chilled food, meat, and fruits. However, long-life sales experienced slower growth.
Long-life sales saw a boost from drinks, snacking, and health and wellness products, while sales of baby, pet, and home essentials proved to be a challenge. Additionally, tobacco sales saw a considerable drop, declining by 51.5 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
Woolworths’ WooliesX sales in Australia increased by 12.9 percent, amounting to $2.2 billion, primarily driven by same-day and on-demand services. Among all of Woolworth’s e-commerce offerings, Milkrun, a grocery-delivery service, demonstrated the most growth. It is now supported by 628 stores, with 113 new stores added during the quarter.
In New Zealand, food sales reached $1.98 billion, marking a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase. This was primarily driven by the growth of e-commerce and sales of fruits and vegetables, meat, chilled, and frozen categories. E-commerce sales in the country grew by 15.8 percent, fueled by consumer demand for convenience and the company’s Same Day services. Milkrun also expanded its reach, extending to 87 stores across the nation.
W Living, a division of Woolworths, saw a sales increase of 3.3 percent to $1.35 billion, largely due to the strong performance by Petstock. Petstock’s sales surged by 15.8 percent to $238 million, following the expansion of six stores and the inclusion of wholesale revenue from distributors Big Dog and TimePet.
Big W saw a moderate increase in sales of 1 percent to $1.13 billion. However, the decline in items due to the cycling of winter clothing and clearance activity was evident. The brand’s e-commerce gross transaction value rocketed by 46.3 percent to $213 million, largely due to a 148 percent growth at Big W Market.
Woolworths’ group CEO Amanda Bardwell expressed cautious optimism for the key trading quarter ahead. She mentioned robust plans for the festive season, including a refreshed seasonal range. Bardwell concluded by stating that while it might take time for the full benefits of the company’s strategic actions to be realized, they remain confident these steps will lead to meaningful improvements for both their customers and shareholders.
What led to the growth of Woolworths’ sales in the first quarter?
The growth was primarily driven by an increase in food sales and the expansion of on-demand services.
How did Woolworths’ e-commerce perform in the first quarter?
E-commerce sales rose by 13.2 percent to reach $2.7 billion, demonstrating strong performance.
What is the company’s outlook for the future?
Woolworths remains cautiously optimistic about the key trading quarter and has strong plans in place for the festive season, including a refreshed seasonal range.
