Spartan Stores reports rise in Q3 sales

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Spartan Stores saw an increase in sales from $781.9 million to $786.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, according to an earnings report released Wednesday.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supermarket operator said the increase resulted from incremental sales from the acquisition of VG’s Food and Pharmacy stores and the opening of additional gas stations. Weak economic conditions, price deflation, competition and a shift toward private label sales offset the increase. Profits for the quarter were $26 million, down from $29.7 million in third quarter 2009.

“We are pleased with our ability to profitably work through this prolonged weak economic environment,” Spartan president Dennis Eidson said. “Michigan has experienced a slight loss in its population base and has also led the nation in unemployment for 45 consecutive months.”