Retail chain Woolworths said poor weather had failed to dampen trading as it reported a one per cent rise in like-for-like sales at its High Street stores.

The chain, which has revived its fortunes in the past 18 months, overcame weak demand for seasonal items such as outdoor furniture and summer clothing with strong growth elsewhere.

The DVD and video release of the final instalment of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy boosted sales of entertainment products, while electrical goods and stationery were also in demand.

Total sales from 803 outlets increased 7.4 per cent to £1.04 billion in the 24 weeks to July 17, the group said in a trading statement yesterday ahead of its interim results.

Thursday July 22, 2004