Wellington, Jan 27 NZPA - Australian-listed retailer Woolworths today reported $31.1 billion in sales for the half year to January, including $2.86b from its New Zealand supermarkets.

In the 27 weeks to January 3, Woolworths Ltd made a total of $A24.4 billion ($NZ31.08b) in sales. Sales from its New Zealand supermarkets, operating as Progressive Enterprises, were an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous half's $2.571b.

The company operated the Woolworths, Countdown, Foodtown and Fresh Choice supermarkets in New Zealand, as well as the Dick Smith electronics store chain.

The Dick Smith stores' sales in New Zealand fell 2.1 percent from the preceding half year, from $NZ191m in 2009 to $187m in 2010, though still making an increase of 6.1 percent on the year before.

The company noted "pleasing results" in its computing, entertainment and gaming sectors in the electronic stores.

In the last half year, Woolworths opened four new Dick Smith stores and two new supermarkets in New Zealand. The chain had Dick Smith 433 stores in Australia and New Zealand, and more than 3000 retail outlets in total.

"In New Zealand, our supermarket business grew strongly despite the economic climate, reflecting our investment in price, product, stores and systems," the company's chief executive, Michael Luscombe said.

In September last year, the company announced it would be rebranding its stores under a Countdown brand. The transition would take place over a five-year period.