Weis Markets posts sales jump, expands store pickup

Improved customer service programs and a better store experience helped regional grocery chain Weis Markets post a jump in same store sales for the fourth quarter.

The Sunbury, Pa.-based food retailer reported that its fourth quarter same store sales increased 3.5%, while its net sales increased 4% to $713.8 million. During the 13-week period ending Dec. 27, the company's earnings per share totaled 51 cents compared to 59 cents for the same period in 2013. The company's fourth quarter net income declined 11.6% to $13.9 million.

"One year ago, we spoke of our plans to recalibrate our go to market strategies and focus on increasing sales and market share," said Weis Markets president and CEO Jonathan Weis. "Over the past year, we steadily invested in our pricing programs and successfully executed our strategy, which has produced consistent sales increases in key center store and fresh departments. These investments helped us increase our market share and our customer count. We also improved our in-store customer experience and increased our customer service focus. As a result of our investments and customer service programs, we are well-positioned to build on our success in 2015."

The retailer also announced that it is expanding its grocery online ordering and in-store pickup service. Weis Online Shopping allows customers to order online and either pay through a secure PayPal system or at the store with curbside checkout. Each order is handpicked in the store by trained personal shoppers and then carefully stored until pick-up. Customers can use their Weis Preferred Shopper’s cards to save on their orders and earn gas rewards. They can also browse the weekly online circular and add sale items to their carts. Paper and eCoupons are also accepted.

“Weis Online Shopping offers our customers the best of both worlds: the in-store shopping experience with online, time-saving convenience. Our in-store personal shoppers are trained to focus on quality and customize orders,” said Kurt Schertle, Weis Markets’ Chief Operating Officer. “Customers can place their orders at any time and schedule a convenient pick-up time that suits their schedule. These orders can also be ready in four hours.”

Weis Markets Inc. operates 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.