Staff Writer
Truworths International Limited has reported steady performance for the 26-week period ended 28 December 2025.
Truworths says it remains cautiously optimistic about its outlook for the 2026 financial year.
The group, which operates in Namibia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, said retail sales for the period remained unchanged at N$12.5 billion, in line with the same period last year.
Performance differed across regions. Office UK, the group’s UK retail business, recorded a 6.4% increase in retail sales in sterling terms compared to the same period last year.
Office UK contributed N$4.5 billion to group sales during the period.
The growth was supported by strong brand demand, store development and remodelling, and a 7.5% increase in online sales.
This performance came despite pressure from low economic growth, a weaker labour market and subdued consumer confidence in the UK.
Truworths said it plans to expand the office in the UK’s trading space by about 10% to 12% in the 2026 financial year, with further store developments and refurbishments planned for the second half of the year.
In contrast, Truworths Africa recorded a 3.6% decline in retail sales. The group said this reflects continued pressure on South African consumers from high inflation, unemployment and weak consumer confidence. It noted early signs of improvement in the South African economy, supported by a stronger rand, easing inflation, lowering fuel prices, and the possibility of lower interest rates.
Online sales in Truworths Africa increased by 23.3% and accounted for 7.4% of retail sales, up from 5.8% in the prior year. The group said gross active trade receivables in the region declined by 2.1%, reflecting a cautious approach to credit in a difficult trading environment.
Looking ahead, Truworths said it expects trading space in South Africa to increase by about 1% during the 2026 financial year.
Continued investment in Office UK’s store network is expected to support growth.
Truworths operates a portfolio of fashion brands and continues to invest in store development, digital platforms and expansion plans.
The group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), A2X and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX).
Caption
Truworths showed stable performance in its retail segments 26-week period ended 28 December 2025.
- Photo: Contributed
