Harvey Norman first-half profit down 36 per cent to $82 million ELECTRONICS, whitegoods and furniture retailer Harvey Norman today booked a 36 per cent slide in first-half profit as heavy discounting to woo cautious consumers shrunk its margins. But the company was more upbeat about its outlook, saying aggressive discounting had stabilised. While conditions remain tough, Harvey Norman said it has experienced "an uptick in sales" over the past few months, without being more specific.