ZAANDAM, Netherlands -- Royal Ahold here said sales for its U.S. operations increased 14.3% to $2.1 billion for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 and 12.2% to $8.3 billion for the year. Excluding the sales of Mayfair Super Markets, Elizabeth, N.J., volume increased 6.7% and 8.9% for the quarter and year, respectively.
per $1) for the year.
In the United States, Giant Food Stores and Edwards Super Food Stores both reported "considerably" higher sales due to new store openings, said Ahold. Throughout the company, Albert Heijn supermarkets, Ahold Specialty Stores and Finast saw growth in operating income but Tops Markets and Bi-Lo reported lower operating results.
