RNS Number:2297P
Woolworths Group PLC
25 July 2005


                              Woolworths Group plc

                            Pre Close Trading Update
                            24 weeks to 16 July 2005


Woolworths Group plc is today updating the market on trading for the 24 weeks to
16 July 2005 ahead of entering its half year closed period.

Since the update given in June, the retail climate has remained difficult.
Woolworths Mainchain like-for-like sales decreased by 4.4 per cent in the 24
weeks to 16 July 2005. Woolworths gross margin remains slightly below last year,
however we are beginning to see the impact of actions taken to improve gross
margin delivery.

The store refurbishment programme is on schedule to convert 50 stores this year
to the 10/10 format with 20 converted so far. Sales and margin performance from
the 10/10 estate continues to be ahead of the Mainchain.

Third party sales at Entertainment UK for the 24 week period were up 16.1 per
cent. 2entertain, the Group's 40 per cent owned entertainment publishing joint
venture with BBC Worldwide continues to trade in line with our plans.  Progress
continues with the sale of MVC, the Group's specialist chain of entertainment
stores.

The Group will announce its interim results for the 26 weeks to 30 July 2005 on
Wednesday 21 September 2005. These results will be prepared under International
Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") but reconciliation to UK GAAP will also
be provided. Interim figures for the prior year, restated under IFRS will be
published shortly before 21 September 2005.

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

"The retail environment remains challenging and against this background we
continue to be disciplined about controlling costs and stock while taking action
to improve the Group's businesses."


For further information contact:

Stephen East, Group Finance Director                           0207 4795179
Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Communications                        0207 3534200
Celia Gordon-Shute, Tulchan Communications                     0207 3534200



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

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