NATIONAL: Despite recording a small increase in retail sales, fashion was among the worst performing categories for Westfield in the three months to March 31.
Westfield's Australian fashion retailers recorded a 0.4 per cent increase in retail sales in the first quarter of 2010.
Only two retail categories saw smaller sales increases, with supermarkets recording a 0.2 per cent increase in sales and discount department stores a 0.1 per cent increase.
The results were revealed in the Westfield Group's first quarter 2010 review. Cinemas were easily Westfield's top performing category in the period, with sales increases of 22 per cent.
Footwear retailers recorded a 2.1 per cent increase in sales over the three months, outperforming other categories including homewares and jewellery.
In its first quarter report, Westfield acknowledged the improving economic environment and revealed it expects to commence approximately $1 billion of development projects in 2010.
The majority of these projects will be centred in Australia, with development sites including the Sydney City office tower ($350 million), Westfield Belconnen in the ACT ($125 million) and Westfield Fountain Gate in Victoria ($250 million).
Post 2010, Westfield said it expects to commence between $500 million to $1 billion of development projects per annum.