MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Ruddick Corp., parent company of Harris Teeter here, said strong comparable-store sales boosted total sales for the third quarter and 39 weeks ended June 27.
e stores since last year's third quarter. Operating income for the quarter was up 4% to $24 million.
For the year-to-date period, sales increased 3.1% to $1.9 billion. Comps were up 2.3%, while operating income for the nine-month period rose 10% to $76.1 million.
The company said operating-profit and margin improvements were achieved primarily through the continued growth in comparable-store sales and the effective management of operational costs and promotional strategies.
According to Thomas W. Dickson, president and chief executive officer of Ruddick, "We are pleased with our overall gains in market share within our primary markets, which are reflective of our focus on providing all customers with a superior shopping experience."
Dickson said the company's launch of private-label produce and seafood lines resulted in sales increases greater than the company average. During the quarter, the company also launched its Harris Teeter Reserve Angus Beef program.
Harris Teeter accounts for nearly 89% of Ruddick's sales, with the balance coming from American & Efird, the company's sewing-thread subsidiary.
