SCARBOROUGH, Maine -- Hannaford Bros. Co. here said sales and earnings increased, for better gross margin performance, particularly in its Southeast region, for the third quarter and 36 weeks ended Oct. 3.
5 billion for the year to date, while comparable-store sales increased 1.6% for the quarter and 1.7% for the year to date.
According to Hugh Farrington, president and chief executive officer, "Our third-quarter operating results were quite pleasing despite increased competition in certain of our marketing areas and a nearly flat inflationary environment. Our operating profit increased by 12.5% as a result of better gross margin performance, especially in the Southeast, offset by a slight increase in expenses."
