Wesfarmers posted higher net profit amid stronger sales across its retail businesses in the fiscal first half ended December 31.

The group’s net profit rose 2.9 per cent to $1.47 billion on revenue up 3.6 per cent to $23.49 billion.

Bunnings’ sales climbed 3.1 per cent to $10.26 billion and Kmart’s sales jumped 2 per cent to $6.21 billion. Officeworks’ sales totalled $1.75 billion, up 4.7 per cent.

“The group’s largest divisions performed well, with Bunnings and Kmart Group’s everyday low prices, market-leading offers and strong execution driving growth in transactions, sales and earnings,” said Rob Scott, Wesfarmers MD.

“The retail divisions benefited from households prioritising value, and from new and expanded ranges and offerings that helped grow their addressable markets.”

Meanwhile, Catch saw a gross transactional value of $258 million, down 18.6 per cent.

Last month, Wesfarmers said it decided to wind down Catch, citing a competitive Australian e-commerce landscape.