Shoprite Holdings Limited - Trading update

Shoprite Holdings Limited - Trading update                                      
Shoprite Holdings Limited                                                       
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Registration no. 1936/007721/06)                                               
ISIN:  ZAE000012084                                                             
JSE share code:  SHP                                                            
NSX share code:  SRH                                                            
LuSE share code:  SHOPRITE                                                      
("The Group")                                                                   
Trading update                                                                  
For the six months to 1 January 2006, comprising 26 weeks, the Shoprite         
Group increased turnover by 9,4% to about R16,7 billion, compared to the        
corresponding six months of 27 weeks. If the additional week of the previous    
reporting period is disregarded, turnover growth was 13,7%.                     
All other comparatives contained in this Trading Statement have been            
calculated on the basis of a 26-week period.                                    
The six months of the review period lived up to Management"s expectations,      
with all its retail divisions reporting solid turnover growth in an             
environment in which internal food inflation in its different brands            
averaged 2,5%.                                                                  
The strong surge in sales at the lower end of the market was bolstered by       
government"s wide-ranging support for low-income earners.                       
The Shoprite brand"s turnover growth mirrored the continuing high consumer      
confidence especially at the lower end of the market. It grew sales in          
existing business by 8,3% and overall by 13,4%. A total of 26 new stores        
were opened during the reporting period.                                        
The Checkers brand increased its appeal to higher-end consumers by further      
improving its ranging, especially of convenience and fresh products. It         
increased turnover on existing business by 7,5% and total turnover by 12,5%.    
It added 10 new outlets to its store complement.                                
Strong consumer support for the Usave brand resulted in a net gain of 9 new     
outlets during the period to bring the total number of stores of the Group"s    
youngest chain to 93. Sales growth of 37,7% continue to exceed budget.          
Lower turnover growth in the Furniture Division confirmed market speculation    
that this sector is slowing down after a boom period lasting almost three       
years. The division nevertheless grew turnover by 14,0% in a highly             
competitive environment.                                                        
The Group"s non-RSA operations performed satisfactorily, with sales             
increasing by 18,4% at constant conversion rates. Due to lower volatility in    
certain African currencies, this turnover increase translates into 17,3% in     
rand terms.                                                                     
The Group successfully launched its first store in Nigeria in December.         
Towards the end of the review period the acquisition of two businesses by       
the Group - Food World with 13 branches and Computicket - was finalised.        
Their contributions had only a marginal effect on group turnover.               
The above financial information has not been reviewed or reported on by the     
Shoprite Holdings" auditors.  The results for the review period discussed       
above will be published on Wednesday, 22 February 2006.                         
Whitey Basson, CEO, or Carel Goosen, deputy managing director (tel 021 980      
4000).                                                                          
Date issued         10 January 2006                                             
Sponsor             Nedbank Capital                                             
Date: 10/01/2006 03:21:37 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
Produced by the JSE SENS Department