Ahold reports 3.9 percent increase in 3Q sales

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands Ahold, parent company of Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover and Giant Carlisle, announced a third-quarter net sales of 3.9 percent compared with the year-ago period. The company also reported consolidated net sales of EUR 5.8 billion for the third quarter ended Oct. 5, 2008 for an increase of 7.6 percent at constant exchange rates.

“In the turbulent economic environment, our continued focus on bringing value to our customers led to a solid performance,” the company stated. “ We remain vigilant and will respond to any changes in consumer and competitor behavior.”

According to the company, net sales at Stop & Shop/Giant Landover increased 4.4 percent to $3.9 billion. Net sales included $14 million of sales to Tops. Prior to its disposal, such sales were recorded as intercompany sales.

Identical sales increased 4.6 percent at Stop & Shop (3.8 percent excluding gasoline net sales) and increased 0.7 percent at Giant-Landover (0.6 percent excluding gasoline net sales), impacted by lower pharmacy sales.

Comparable sales increased 4.8 percent at Stop & Shop and increased 1 percent at Giant-Landover.

Net sales at Giant Carlisle increased 11.8 percent to $1.1 billion.Identical sales increased 8.0 percent (5.4 percent excluding gasoline net sales) while comparable sales increased 8.7 percent.