JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores here said its third-quarter financial results showed gains but were still adversely affected because Easter fell in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, and the third quarter of fiscal 1997.
Year-to-date, sales were $10.4 billion, an increase of 2.1% over $10.2 billion for the corresponding 40-week period last year. Earnings were $164.6 million, or $1.11 per share, an increase of 8.3% compared with $152.1 million, or $1.01 per share in 1997.
Identical store sales decreased 1.6% for the quarter and 1.5% year-to-date. Average store sales increased 1.4% for the quarter and approximately 1% year-to-date due to the shift of Easter from the third quarter to the fourth quarter.
James Kufeldt, Winn-Dixie president, said identical-store sales for the last four weeks of the quarter, when adjusted for Easter, were positive. However, he indicated that the chain would make sales growth a priority and will increase promotional and advertising spending to accomplish that goal.
During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1998, Winn-Dixie opened 63 new stores, averaging 49,900 square feet. It also enlarged or remodeled 84 stores and closed 58 stores. Square footage increased 4.2%.