WHOLE FOODS SALES GAIN; ACQUISITIONS CITED

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market here reported improved sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Sept. 28, due in part to recent acquisitions.

ere approximately $97 million, the company said. Earnings were approximately $2.9 million. During the fourth quarter, Whole Foods announced two new acquisitions: The Granary, a natural-food store in Monterey, Calif.; and Daily Bread, an artisan bakery located in Boulder, Colo. Whole Foods said the owner of Daily Bread, David Berenson, will supply European-style breads and manage the prepared-foods department of the company's new Boulder store, set to open in January.

The company said total sales for the fourth quarter ended Sept. 28 were $270.5 million, up 10.9% compared with $243.9 million in the prior fourth quarter.

For the fiscal year, total sales were $1.1 billion, an increase of 21% from $940.5 million previously.

Earnings for the quarter and year were not disclosed.

Comparable sales for all stores increased 11.0% for the fourth quarter and 8.3% for the fiscal year.

Whole Foods Market operates 75 stores in 17 states and the District of Columbia.

4TH-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 9/28/97 9/29/96

Sales $270.5 million $243.9 million

Change 10.9%

Same-store 11%

52 Weeks 1997 1996

Sales $1.1 billion $940.5 million

Change 21%

Same-store 8.3%