Spartan Stores experiences decreased comps

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Spartan Stores reported that consolidated net sales for the 12-week second quarter were $610.2 million compared with $626.8 million in the same period last year. According to the company, sales were negatively affected by price deflation in certain primary product categories, significantly lower retail fuel prices, a shift in the mix towards more private label products and the general economic environment.

Net earnings for the quarter were $10.4 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, compared with $10.6 million, or 48 cents per diluted share in last year’s second quarter. Last year’s second-quarter net earnings included a loss from discontinued operations of $1 million, or 4 cents per diluted share, related to the Pharm store exit and operational wind down costs.

Second-quarter retail net sales increased 11.3% to $360.2 million from $323.5 million in the same period last year. The retail segment experienced a 5.1% decline in comparable-store sales due to significant deflation in the meat, produce and dairy categories, competitive store openings, unseasonably cool weather in Michigan and the weak economic environment.