Wild Oats Markets Reports Record Net Sales in 2001
BOULDER, Colo. - Natural and organic foods retailer Wild Oats Markets Inc. on Thursday said it generated $222.1 million in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2001, up 7.4 percent from $206.9 million in last year's fourth quarter. The company also reported record net sales for the year at $893.2 million.
Wild Oats said the sales gain in 2001 was primarily due to a positive 4.0 percent comparable store sales in 2001, which reversed a declining trend of negative 2.6 percent same-store sales in 2000. Comparable store sales were
5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, their strongest level of the year.
"We are encouraged by the continued strength in our sales and in our ability to generate four consecutive quarters of comparable store sales growth," said Perry D. Odak, president and CEO. "Our new Fresh Look merchandising and marketing program is achieving desired results through more frequent advertising and strategic pricing and merchandising efforts. Early results demonstrate that the longer the Fresh Look program is in a market, the more positive the customer reach and financial performance of the participating stores. As a result, we will continue to introduce this program in our remaining Wild Oats stores in 2002."
Wild Oats Markets operates 102 natural food stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Marketplace, Nature's - a Wild Oats Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Market.
Wild Oats said the sales gain in 2001 was primarily due to a positive 4.0 percent comparable store sales in 2001, which reversed a declining trend of negative 2.6 percent same-store sales in 2000. Comparable store sales were
5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, their strongest level of the year.
"We are encouraged by the continued strength in our sales and in our ability to generate four consecutive quarters of comparable store sales growth," said Perry D. Odak, president and CEO. "Our new Fresh Look merchandising and marketing program is achieving desired results through more frequent advertising and strategic pricing and merchandising efforts. Early results demonstrate that the longer the Fresh Look program is in a market, the more positive the customer reach and financial performance of the participating stores. As a result, we will continue to introduce this program in our remaining Wild Oats stores in 2002."
Wild Oats Markets operates 102 natural food stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Marketplace, Nature's - a Wild Oats Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Market.