"We believe this bodes well for our industry's long-term prospects," said Jeff Noddle, Supervalu's chairman and chief executive officer, during the company's first-quarter conference call. Additionally, the chain will close 50 stores during the year and open about 110 locations. Last year Supervalu renovated 80 stores and opened about 110.
The quarter, which ended June 16, marked the one-year anniversary of Supervalu's acquisition of $11.3 billion acquisition of about 1,100 Albertsons units. Same-store sales at the Albertsons stores rose 1.7%, while the company's previously-owned chains inched up 0.4%.
The non-Albertsons stores, which number just less than 1,300 and include stores with the banners Save-A-Lot, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's and others, were hurt by cannibalization, Noddle says. Consumers are also feeling pressure from rising inflation and fuel costs, he points out.
Supervalu's retail sales totaled $10.4 billion, up from $2.9 billion, mainly due to the Albertsons acquisition. Earnings hit $148 million, compared to $87 million during the same year-ago period. Management is forecasting a 1% to 2% same-store sale increase for the rest of the year.
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