Ahold reports U.S. sales growth

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands Ahold reported that first quarter sales at Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover were $5.1 billion, up 1.3 percent compared with the same period last year. Identical sales were up 1.2 percent at Stop & Shop (0.2 percent excluding gasoline net sales) and down 1.5 percent at Giant-Landover (1.6 percent excluding gasoline net sales), impacted by lower pharmacy sales.

For the first quarter, net sales at Giant-Carlisle were up 9.2 percent to $1.4 billion compared with the same period last year. Identical sales were up 5.7 percent (3.7 percent excluding gasoline net sales).

Ahold ceo John Rishton said, “In the United States, the roll-out of our Value Improvement Program at Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover remains on track. The price investments related to the roll-out continue to impact margins and sales, with improvements expected later in the year. Giant-Carlisle reported solid sales and margin growth and continues to gain share in a very competitive market. We continue to respond to the turbulent economic environment and its impact on consumer and competitor behavior. We are confident that the actions we are taking to bring value to our customers are the right ones.“