US retailer Winn-Dixie Stores has announced second quarter sales from continuing operations of US$3.8bn, a 0.5% increase compared with the same quarter in the previous year.
For the 16 weeks ended 8 January 2003 net earnings from continuing operations were $91.4m, compared to $52.0m a year earlier. Excluding the impact from the termination of in-store banking agreements with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Winn-Dixie said net earnings from continuing operations would have been $58.9m for the quarter, which represents a 13.4% increase from fiscal 2002.
For the 28 weeks ended 8 January 2003, sales from continuing operations were $6.6bn, an increase of $43.2m, or 0.7%, compared with the prior year. Identical store sales, which include enlargements and exclude the sales from stores that opened or closed during the period, increased 1.3% for the quarter and 1.6% for the year. Comparable store sales, which include replacement stores, increased 1.3% for the quarter and 1.6% for the year.
The company said a total of 1,075 locations were in operation on 8 January 2003, compared to 1,150 on 9 January 2002. As of 8 January 2003, retail space totaled 47.6 million square feet compared to 51.0 million square feet in the prior year. Winn-Dixie said it has seven new stores under construction.
