Woolworths said it is likely to post an increase of 3.8% in its sales in the 26 weeks ending Dec. 29. In the 2020 financial year, the busy trading periods of Christmas and Boxing Day fell in the first half of the year, unlike 2019, when they were accounted for in the second half. While sales in its food business unit grew by 7.8% when adjusting for this shift, Woolworths’ fashion, beauty and home division expects to see a 0.9% growth in sales.