Premium retailer Woolworths has blamed the conflict in the Middle East for its sluggish performance during the second half of its financial year. The second half of the year saw consumers with less money to spend and Woolworths’ operating costs increasing. In South Africa, the retailer delivered turnover and concession sales growth of 5.4% for the year. Woolworths Food deliversThe retailer’s food division delivered turnover and concession sales growth of 5.7% and 3.7% on a comparable-store basis. Sales growth softened to 4.4% in the second half, as a result of slower growth in select produce and grocery categories.