By Claire Reilly

Woolworths Limited has announced its third quarter sales results with the retail group once again showing a strong performance from its home improvement chain, Masters. For the 13 weeks to 31 March 2013, sales for Masters were up 37.4 per cent year-on-year to $290 million (Q3 sales for FY12 were $211 million).

Over the quarter, Masters opened four new warehouses, bringing the total network to 29. While still a fraction of major competitor Bunnings’ network — which consisted of 211 warehouses, 62 smaller format stores and 37 trade centres as of 14 February 2013 — the network has seen significant growth in the since opening its first store in Melbourne in 2011. There are also plans to open one more shopfront before the end of the 2013 financial year.

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Speaking about the results and the brand’s expansion was Masters director, Melinda Smith.

“During the quarter, we continued the roll-out of new stores, with 29 Masters stores now trading,” she said. “The February ‘Trade Month’ proved to be a great success, with many new trade members signing up to the Masters program.

“Additionally, the launch of the new Masters App in March has received a positive response from customers allowing them to view product features and specifications, purchase online, compare products and prices with those of competitors, chat online with our customer service team and view DIY articles, videos and handy hints and tips.”

Also operating in the electrical category within Woolworths’ retail offering is Big W, which saw a smaller 3.6 per cent increase in sales year-on-year, lifting from $3.29 billion to $3.41 billion.

Here’s Big W director, Julie Coates.

“Big W’s trading for the quarter was supported by solid Back to School and Easter promotional activity as we continue to focus on events and promotions that are profitable and attractive to our customers,” she said.

“Strong growth in customers and units continues to confirm Big W’s strong value proposition — offering the lowest prices on the widest range of quality and branded merchandise every day.”

However, strength was not seen across the whole store.

“The [quarterly] result was impacted by further declines in the Home Entertainment category, particularly the cycling of non-profitable clearance activity in the prior year.”

Big W’s store network stayed at 176 in the quarter, though the retailer plans two open a further two stores by the end of the financial year.