Woolworths Boosts Q1 Sales 2.7% with eCommerce and Customer Satisfaction Gains

Solid Start to FY26 with Broad-Based Sales Growth

Woolworths Group kicked off the 2026 financial year with a 2.7% rise in total group sales, reaching $18.5 billion for the 14 weeks ended 5 October 2025. This growth was underpinned by gains across its Australian Food, Australian B2B, New Zealand Food, and W Living segments, reflecting a steady recovery in consumer demand and the effectiveness of ongoing strategic initiatives.

Australian Food sales increased by 2.1%, with Woolworths Food Retail stores and eCommerce channels contributing a 3.8% lift when excluding tobacco, which saw a sharp 51% decline. The retailer’s focus on value and convenience is evident in its expansion of the Lower Shelf Price program, now featuring over 750 products with strong unit growth, and a seventh consecutive quarter of average price declines (excluding tobacco).

eCommerce and Customer Experience Drive Momentum

eCommerce remains a standout performer, with group online sales surging 13.2%. Woolworths’ On Demand delivery service, which promises orders in under two hours, grew by an impressive 39%, highlighting shifting consumer preferences for convenience. The WooliesX platform, encompassing digital, media, and home delivery services, saw sales climb 11.3%, supported by enhancements to the Woolworths app and personalized offers through the Everyday Rewards program.

Customer satisfaction metrics also improved, with the Group’s Voice of Customer Net Promoter Score (VOC NPS) rising by three points year-on-year and four points compared to the previous quarter. This uplift was driven by better perceptions of value for money, availability, and store experience, although Woolworths acknowledges that budget-conscious shoppers remain an area for further engagement.

B2B and New Zealand Segments Show Strength

The Australian B2B segment grew 6.2%, buoyed by strong performance from PFD Food Services and a 31% jump in export meat sales, reflecting elevated international beef prices. Excluding the benefit of an additional week in the retail calendar, B2B sales still rose a healthy 2.2%. Meanwhile, New Zealand Food sales increased 3.2%, with eCommerce penetration reaching 16.8% and strong growth in fresh categories like fruit, vegetables, and meat. The ongoing rebranding of stores to Woolworths New Zealand and expansion of Mini Woolies locations underscore the group’s commitment to this market.

Mixed Results in W Living and BIG W

W Living sales rose 3.3%, driven largely by Petstock’s 15.8% growth through network expansion and wholesale revenue gains. BIG W reported a modest 1.0% sales increase, with clothing performing better thanks to improved availability and a strong start to the summer season. Notably, BIG W’s eCommerce gross transaction value jumped 46.3%, propelled by the BIG W Market platform’s 148% growth, reflecting the group’s digital marketplace strategy.

Looking ahead, Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming key trading quarter and festive season. While acknowledging that the full benefits of strategic initiatives will take time to materialize, the group is focused on delivering enhanced value, convenience, and availability to customers, aiming to rebuild momentum and shareholder confidence.