Ahold Reports Strong Net Sales for Q4 on Holiday Spending

In the fourth quarter Ahold had a solid sales performance in all of its major markets, with strong holiday sales in the United States and the Netherlands. Dutch consumers reportedly chose to eat well at home over Christmas rather than going out.

16/01/09 Retail giant Ahold has announced consolidated net sales of EUR 6.6 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 28, 2008. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, net sales increased by 12.9% and increased by 5.9% at constant exchange rates.

For the full year, net sales were EUR 25.7 billion, 3.3% higher compared to 2007. At constant exchange rates, net sales were up 6.9%.
 
In the fourth quarter Ahold had a solid sales performance in all of its major markets, with strong holiday sales in the United States and the Netherlands. Dutch consumers reportedly chose to eat well at home over Christmas rather than going out.
 
Net sales for Stop & Shop / Giant-Landover increased 2.8% to USD 4.0 billion. Net sales included USD 15 million of sales to Tops. Prior to its disposal, such sales were recorded as inter-company sales. Identical sales increased 2.3% at Stop & Shop (4.0% excluding gasoline net sales) and increased 1.1% at Giant-Landover (1.0% excluding gasoline net sales), impacted by lower pharmacy sales. Comparable sales increased 2.7% at Stop & Shop and increased 1.4% at Giant-Landover.
 
In the Netherlands Albert Heijn Fourth Quarter net sales increased 11.6% to EUR 2.2 billion. Net sales at Albert Heijn supermarkets were EUR 2.0 billion, up 12.2% compared to last year, due in part to the conversion of former Schuitema stores into the Albert Heijn format during the third and fourth quarter of 2008. Identical sales at Albert Heijn supermarkets increased 5.2%.