Woolworths said today it was confident about its Christmas performance despite seeing rain dampen sales of garden furniture and clothing this summer.

Woolies, which has revived its fortunes over the last 18 months, said entertainment and electrical products drove sales forward during the first half of its financial year, although seasonal products came under pressure.

Pre-tax losses narrowed by 5.5% to £34.4 million while same-store sales were 0.5% higher at the retailer's high street stores in the 26 weeks to July 31, although this compared with a 1% hike announced in a trading statement in July.

The chain said improved planning and a better range of products left it confident about the festive period, which is traditionally its busiest time of year.

Woolies said the results for the quieter first half of the financial year demonstrated solid progress across all areas of the group, but added that trading in the first five weeks of the second half had been "mixed".

Wednesday September 08, 2004