RNS Number:0636L
Woolworths Group PLC
14 May 2003


                              Woolworths Group plc

                             Trading Statement for

                     First Quarter 13 weeks to 3rd May 2003


Woolworths Group plc is today providing an update on its trading in the first
quarter of its new financial year.

In the 13 weeks to 3rd May 2003 total sales increased 1.3 per cent to #549m.
Group retail sales (Mainchain, Woolworths big W and MVC) for the 13 week period
were flat against last year and Entertainment third party sales (Entertainment
UK and VCI) grew 9 per cent. Retail like-for-like sales declined by 0.6 per
cent. Within this the Mainchain declined by 0.4 percent, Woolworths big W
increased by 1.1 per cent and MVC declined by 4.7 per cent.

The first quarter's performance in Woolworths was affected by slow confectionery
sales in the week leading up to Easter and the consequent action taken to avoid
any stock overhang resulted in gross margin for the quarter being in line with
last year.

The underlying business continues to move forwards. Excluding the sales for
confectionery in the Easter week, the like-for-like retail sales for the first
quarter for Woolworths showed an increase of 0.8 per cent, and the Woolworths
gross margin improved on the prior year.

Costs remain tightly controlled and additional savings have been identified over
the balance of the year which will cover any income shortfall from the Easter
confectionery performance.

Commenting on the first quarter, Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief Executive said:

"Whilst the performance in confectionery in the week before Easter was
disappointing, steady progress continues to be made in the business and the
plans for the all important second half of the year are in good shape."



For further information contact:

Christopher Rogers, Finance Director 020 7706 5689
Nicole Lander, Corporate Affairs 020 7706 5653
Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Communications 020 7353 4200




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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