Loyalty, gas promotions lift Weis Markets in Q3

Regional grocery chain Weis Markets says its loyalty program and other promotions helped boost traffic in the third quarter as the company reported an increase in same-store sales.



For the period ended Sept. 26, sales increased 4.1% to $711.9 million while same-store sales increased 4%, compared to the third quarter in 2014. The company says it generated $12.8 million in net income, down 5.4%, compared to the same period in 2014. Third quarter earnings per share totaled 48 cents, compared to 50 cents in 2014.



The company issued a statement attributing its sales and same-store sales increases to disciplined promotions tied to its loyalty marketing program, which resonated with customers and the expansion of its gas rewards program. In the third quarter, it generated strong sales increases in produce, meat and the health and beauty care category. The company's sales also benefited from strong store level focus on customer service.



Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.