SpartanNash grows third-quarter sales 6%

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based food distributor and grocery store operator SpartanNash, which offers an array of private brands, grew sales 6% in the third quarter when compared to the same period last year. Net sales were $2 billion compared to $1.89 billion last year.

The company said the increase in net sales was generated through incremental volume resulting from the acquisition of Martin’s Super Markets (Martins) as well as higher sales within the food distribution segment and the favorable impact of closing underperforming stores.

“We are encouraged to have delivered third-quarter profitability and sales growth in-line with the guidance we provided in August,” said Dennis Eidson, interim president and CEO. “Our results were driven by a solid increase in net sales, representing our 14th consecutive quarter of growth and we are pleased with the return to positive retail comparable store sales.”

SpartanNash currently operates 158 corporate-owned supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan’s Supermarket and Family Fresh Market. It also distributes grocery products to U.S. military commissaries. Its net sales for retail increased $115.3 million, or 25.8%, to $561.6 million in the third quarter from $446.3 million in the prior year quarter. Comparable store sales were 0.1%.

SpartanNash’s private brands offerings include Our Family, Open Acres, Good to Go! and others.

In other SpartanNash news, the company said that as part of its Veterans Day celebrations — and year-round commitment to military personnel — it will embark on a new partnership designed to support service members, veterans and their families. Working with CMI Orchards, more than 135 SpartanNash retail stores will carry CMI's American Dream apples and offer a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bag of apples to support service members, veterans and their families.