David Jones sales were down 0.5% for the 26 weeks ended 29 December 2019. This result was impacted by the 2019 financial year consisting of 53 weeks, resulting in a shift in trading with the Christmas week, including Boxing Day, falling into the first half of the current year compared to the second half of the prior year.
Comparable store sales, including online, were down 0.4%, although online sales grew 61.8% and now comprise 10.4% of total sales.
Disruption from the Elizabeth Street store refurbishment, due for completion in March 2020, reduced compared to the second half of last year with additional floors opened for trade. Net space increased by 1.2%.
David Jones parent company, Woolworths Holdings, reported an increase of 3.8% in group sales for the period, or 4.6% in constant currency terms.
