JOHANNESBURG — Clothing retailer Truworths International reported a small increase in half-year sales on Wednesday, reflecting constrained spending in South Africa and Britain despite a boost from the key November-December period. The South African-listed clothing, shoes, jewellery and homeware retailer said group sales for the 26-week period ended Dec. 29 rose by 1.2% to 10.6 billion rand ($739.4 million) from 10.5 billion rand in the same 2018 period. Sales for Truworths Africa increased by 2.7%, while like-for-like store retail sales rose by 1%. Retail sales for the group's UK-based Office chain fell in sterling terms by 3.3% to 151 million pounds ($196.71 million). "The group continued to experience challenging trading conditions in both its main markets," it said in a statement.

Source: International New York Times January 15, 2020 18:00 UTC