Spartan keeps its sales momentum rolling

Grand Rapids MI-based Spartan Stores Inc, the nation's eighth-largest grocery distributor, reported financial results for its fiscal 2004 third quarter ending Jan 3, 2004.

Third-quarter consolidated net sales rose 5.1% to $644.1 million from $612.9 million in the corresponding period a year ago. Consolidated net sales improved for the third consecutive quarter due to higher sales in both its retail and distribution business segments. Third-quarter operating earnings were $6.1 million versus an operating loss of $48.2 million in same period the year before.

For the 40 weeks ending Jan 3, 2004, Spartan reported a 3.9% increase in consolidated net sales to $1.598 billion compared with $1.538 billion in the 40-week period a year earlier.