DELCHAMPS RESULTS IMPROVE

MOBILE, Ala. -- Delchamps here had positive earnings and strong sales increases for the third quarter and 39 weeks ended March 30.

store sales rose 10.2% for the quarter and 7.9% for the 39 weeks. Net income was $1.1 million for the quarter and $1.2 million for the 39 weeks vs. losses in both periods a year ago -- the result of a pretax restructuring charge of $15 million, related primarily to closed stores that had not been subleased in whole or in part, according to Delchamps.

3RD-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 3/30/96 4/1/95

Sales $280.2 million $255.6 million

Change + 9.6%

Same-store + 10.2%

Net Income $1.1 million ($11.6 million)

Inc/Share 16 cents ($1.64)

39 Weeks 1996 1995

Sales $842 million $782.2 million

Change + 7.6%

Same-store + 7.9%

Net Income $1.2 million ($10 million)

Inc/Share 17 cents ($1.41)