LOS ANGELES -- Unified Western Grocers here said last week sales gains in Southern California and its other operating areas contributed to strong financial results during the second quarter and first half ended March 27.
s important to note that many of our member retailers not affected by the strike also experienced significant gains during the quarter," said Al Plamann, president and chief executive officer of the member-owned cooperative. "That's a very positive sign because it shows our growth is not confined to a certain area or tied to a specific event."
Unified supplies stores in Southern California, Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The company said the sales growth experienced by each division resulted from a combination of new members, new stores added by existing members and same-store sales growth, as well as from increased sales at stores in Southern California during the four-and-a-half month strike-lockout that ended Feb. 29.
Net income rose 19.8% to $1.2 million for the quarter and 36.9% to $3.2 million for the half after payment of patronage dividends. Those dividends rose 105.9% to $5.8 million for the quarter and 59.8% to $10.8 million for the year to date.
The company credited its performance to the strength of its membership and improvements in productivity.
