Sales, dividend down as retail slump hits Harvey Norman

Harvey Norman, chaired by Gerry Harvey, has posted a 45.7 per cent fall in interim pre-tax profit. (Glenn Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Retailer Harvey Norman has recorded a better-than-expected drop in earnings as sales continue to slump following record trading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Gerry Harvey-chaired company on Thursday reported a 45.7 per cent dip in pre-tax profit to $283.6 million for the six months to December 31.