Publix reports increase in Q1 sales, earnings

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix on Thursday reported $6.2 billion in sales for the first quarter of 2008, a 6 percent increase. Net earnings for the first quarter were $343.2 million, compared to $317.6 million in 2007, an increase of 8.1 percent.

Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2008 increased 3.6 percent.