Woolworths - Trading Statement

Woolworths - Trading Statement                                                  
WOOLWORTHS HOLDIN WOOLWORTHS HOLDINGS LIMITED                                   
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Registration Number 1929/001986/06)                                            
Share code: WHL   ISIN: ZAE000028288                                            
("Woolworths" or "the company") GS LIMITED                                      
TRADING STATEMENT                                                               
Woolworths operating group increased sales for the six months from July to      
December 2002 by 20,0% compared to the same period last year. Sales from        
comparable stores grew by 15,8%. Sales in the first quarter were stronger but   
remained at acceptable levels in the second quarter and over the Christmas      
period.                                                                         
Textiles sales grew by 15,0% in total and by 12,3% in comparable stores whilst  
Food sales grew by 25,2% in total and by 18,1% in comparable stores.  Both      
divisions continued to grow market share.                                       
Country Road sales from continuing operations for the six months ended December 
2002 increased by 3,3% in Australian dollar terms, on the previous year.  This  
increase was broadly in line with the Australian market and with our            
expectations. Trading conditions for the six months were competitive with       
considerable discounting and promotional activity from major department stores  
particularly in the second quarter.                                             
The interim results for the six months period to December 2002 are scheduled to 
be published on 20 February 2003.                                               
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Contact:  Simon N Susman      Contact Number:  083 252 5696                     
          Norman W Thomson    Contact Number:  083 251 6354                     
Date: 07/01/2003 11:53:25 AM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
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