UPDATE 2-Truworths 18-wk sales up, sees tough 2010
* Group retail sales rise 10 pct to 2.3 billion rand
* Debtors book up 11 percent
* Shares down 2 percent
* Rival Foschini H1 results expected at 1200 GMT
(Adds details, analyst, share price)
JOHANNESBURG, Nov 5 (Reuters) - South Africa's biggest clothing retailer Truworths International Ltd (TRUJ.J) posted a rise in sales on Thursday, but said trading conditions would remain tough in 2010 as consumers reign in spending.
Truworths said group retail sales in the 18 weeks from June 29 to Nov. 1 rose 10 percent to 2.3 billion rand ($296.3 million), while comparable (same store) retail sales grew by 2 percent.
Shares in the company fell more than 2 percent after the statement but recovered to trade just 0.8 percent lower at 42 rand by 0951 GMT, performing better than a 1.5 percent weaker retail sector index .JGERE.
"On the clothing side they are amazing when it comes to reading fashion trends. It tells you in a very difficult economic environment they are still getting it all right," said Abri Du Plessis, a retail analyst at Gryphon Asset Management.
"It's a good result in current circumstances ... I think Truworths are definitely taking some market share from Woolies (Woolworths)."
Truworths, which rivals Foschini (FOSJ.J), Woolworths (WHLJ.J) and unlisted Edcon, said it increased trading space by 9 percent, while its debtor's book (showing its credit to retail customers) inched up 11 percent to 2.6 billion rand.
Foschini, which is expected to report interim results later on Thursday, was trading down 2 percent at 57.50 rand.
It posted an 8 percent rise in sales for the first five months of its fiscal year in September, and Du Plessis said he expected headline earnings per share to be about 9 percent up.
South African retailers have struggled to keep sales rising as the recession in Africa's biggest economy has hit consumer spending and threatened job losses.
However, the country's central bank has reduced interest rates by 500 basis points since December, which is likely to help ease pressure on consumers. (Editing by David Holmes) ($1=7.761 Rand)
