'Woolworths Holdings sales growth increased for the six months from July to December 2005 by 16.3% compared to the same period last year. Woolworths, Clothing & Home grew sales by 12.6% in total and 8.2% in comparable store sales with an average deflation rate of approximately -2.3% over the period. Food sales grew by 20.9% in total and by 12.2% in comparable store sales with an average inflation rate of approximately 3.7% over the period. Expansion plans in corporate stores delivered an increase of 4.2% trading space in Clothing & Home over the period, and 6.5% in Food. Trading over the festive season was in-line with expectations. Retail sales for the Australian subsidiary, Country Road, for the six months ended 31 December 2005 were 6.3% higher in Australian dollars than the same period last year, with good volume increases, whilst total sales increased by 1.0%. The publication of the interim results of the Company for the 26-week period to 25 December 2005 is scheduled for mid-February 2006.

Woolworths Holdings sales growth increased for the six months from July to December 2005 by 16.3% compared to the same period last year.