MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P here reported comparable-store sales gains of 3.2% during the fiscal second quarter ended Sept. 8 — results the retailer said mark its best quarterly comps in six years and provide momentum for its upcoming merger with Pathmark. A&P credited its sales gains to a new pricing program emphasizing EDLP “red tag” items as well as remodel programs and effective promotions. Sales for the quarter — excluding recently divested businesses in New Orleans and the Midwest — increased 8.3% to $1.3 billion. The net loss from continuing operations was $2.9 million vs. a $2.2 million loss in the same period last year.

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