Australia’s love of pets is helping support the W Living group, which includes Big W, despite relatively modest growth in the retailer’s core operations. Big W sales grew by just 1% in Q1 of the 2026 financial year, a result largely driven by price increases and discounting.

The retailer delivered store revenues of $1.125 billion, with a bright spot coming from Big W Market, which surged 146.7% year-on-year. Overall, W Living’s total sales rose 3.3% to $1.39 billion, boosted by strong performance from Petstock. Comparable sales at Big W grew 0.6%, while customer metrics remained stable.

Despite these gains, Woolworths is reportedly still looking to sell Big W. Sources suggest finding a buyer may be challenging given the chain’s ongoing underwhelming results.

This quarter, overall sales growth for seasonal items declined by 3.4%, reflecting the prior year’s significant winter clearance activity. However, this was more than offset by higher average selling prices driven by improved quality and heavier summer stock.

Across Big W’s four trading segments:

  • Clothing saw growth thanks to better availability and a strong start to the summer season, supported by warm weather.

  • Play sales benefited from new toy launches and category expansions.

  • Home (including consumer electronics and appliances) experienced modest volume growth, particularly for on-trend products.

Big W’s eCommerce business performed strongly, with gross transaction value up 46.3% to $213 million and an online penetration rate of 17.3%, largely due to the 148% surge in Big W Market. Overall eCommerce sales rose 5.9% to $110 million, supported by both delivery and pickup options.

The standout performer in the W Living group was Petstock, with sales up 15.8% to $238 million. Growth was driven by the opening of six net new stores and the inclusion of wholesale revenue from distributors Big Dog and TimePet. Comparable sales at Petstock rose 3.9%.

Overall Woolworths sales growth in the first three months of the financial were flat.

The company said Australian supermarket sales grew 2.1% to $13.89 billion in the quarter to October 5.

The latest result is not good news with Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell who is under pressure to improve sales and profits at the grocery chain.

Woolworths chief executive Amanda Bardwell said the sales figures were “below our aspirations and there remains more to do”.

“The changes we are making to improve value, convenience and availability are being recognised by our customers,” she said, adding growth was stronger this quarter.

Bardwell said fresh and grocery food sales had been solid in the quarter while pet and baby products had underperformed. Over the last 12 months, the sale of tobacco had declined by 51 per cent, the company added.

At midday, Woolworths shares were up 1.06%.