For the overall first six months of the financial year (ending 2 August 2020), sales totalled USD 66.313 bn, which is 15.9 per cent more than the same period last year.
Thus, the Covid-19 pandemic has enormously boosted sales by the global market leader. However the company emphasises that in the second quarter, it invested approximately USD 480 mio in additional benefits for associates, including weekly bonuses for hourly associates in stores and distribution centres. Year-to-date, the retailer has spent approximately USD 1.3 bn (EUR 1.1 bn) on enhanced pay and benefits in response to Covid-19. Additionally, the company's first half performance resulted in a record payout for Success Sharing, the company's profit-sharing program for hourly associates.