24 June 2005
	SA's Top 20 Companies 16 WOOLWORTHS Total score: 55,6 Historic score: 30,9 FM's score: 72

Woolworths is unique in SA retailing because it is a hybrid of clothing and food. And though the food side keeps capturing market share year after year, the clothing side has been problematic. But this issue is being addressed. The aim is to entice traditional Woolies food shoppers to buy more of the clothing lines. It's a big ask, but head of product Richard Butt has already made significant progress. It will take at least two seasons but if clothing can be turned around, the combination should be formidable. Franchising of the Woolies brand, in and beyond SA, is increasingly profitable.