Walgreens sales up 7.8%, no thanks to Irene

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens reported that total sales for August were $6.1 billion, an increase of 7.8% from $5.66 billion for the same month in 2010.Total front-end sales increased 6.8% in August, while comparable store front-end sales increased 4.8%. Customer traffic in comparable stores increased 2.5% and basket size increased 2.3%.

Walgreens said Hurricane Irenehad no significant net effect on total sales.

Total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, which ended Aug. 31, were $17.94 billion, up 6.4% from $16.87 billion in last year’s quarter. Comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 4.3%, while front-end comparable store sales for the quarter increased 4.7%.

Total sales for fiscal 2011 were $72.16 billion, up 7% from $67.42 billion. Comparable-store sales for fiscal 2011 increased 3.3 percent.

Walgreens opened 21 stores during August, including three relocations, acquired three stores and closed three for a net increase of 18 in the month.