Winn-Dixie reports profit lift in Q3

Jacksonville, Fla. Winn-Dixie Stores reported Tuesday that net income for the third quarter ended March 31 edged up to $20.9 million from $16.6 million in the year-ago period.

Sales for the quarter dipped 2.3% to $1.7 billion. Same-store sales also declined 2.2%.

Peter Lynch, chairman, CEO and president, said, “We are pleased that our results were in line with our expectations, as we continue to navigate through this challenging economic environment. Although the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain, we will continue to focus on balancing sales and gross margin with unique merchandising and marketing programs that are tailored to meet the shopping needs of our customers.”

Winn-Dixie operates 515 retail grocery locations in Florida; Alabama; Louisiana; Georgia; and Mississippi.