By Mike Cherney

SYDNEY--Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd. reported sales growth at most of its retail businesses in the fiscal second half as consumers spent more time at home due to the coronavirus, but its struggling Target business lagged.

Wesfarmers said sales grew at hardware chain Bunnings by 19%, at Kmart by 4.1% and at Officeworks by 28% in the fiscal second half to May. Sales at Target fell by 1.8%.

Given shifting consumer patterns and uncertainty about government restrictions, Wesfarmers said it is unclear whether such strong sales growth at Bunnings and Officeworks would continue.

It added that sales at Target and Kmart had improved in recent weeks with customers shopping for winter clothing and returning to malls. However, sales remain highly variable amid competitor clearance activity.

Retail online sales in the calendar year so far are up 89%, excluding its recently acquired online business Catch. Wesfarmers said pleasing progress continues at Catch.

Following the easing of trading restrictions in New Zealand and Tasmania, Wesfarmers's retail networks have returned to full operation, the company said.

Full commentary on divisional performance will be given at the company's full-year result in August. 



   Write to Mike Cherney at mike.cherney@wsj.com