Upmarket food and clothing retailer Woolworths reported group sales grew by 9.8% year-on-year in the first half ended December 26, 2010, along with positive margin development after more effective cost control. Pre-tax profit increased by 22.1% during the period. Food sales grew by 11.8%, while clothing sales were up 11.5%.

In both categories Woolworths slightly outperformed the market (which showed 9% and 9.2% growth, respectively).