Weis Markets Inc. reported its third quarter sales increased to $869.1 million compared to the same period in 2017. During the 13-week period ended Sept. 29, the company’s net income increased 219.3 percent to $14.2 million compared to $4.4 million in 2017 while third quarter earnings per share increased $0.37 to $0.53 per share.

In the third quarter, the company’s income before income taxes increased 172 percent to $18.6 million. Weis attributed this increase to improved efficiencies in the stores it acquired in 2016, price optimization improvements and improved store-level inventory management. In addition, disciplined fresh department sell-through compared to the same period last year yielded improved results.

For the 39-week period ended Sept. 29, the company’s sales increased 1.3 percent to $2.6 billion compared to the same period a year ago while YTD comparable store sales increased 0.7 percent. YTD net income increased 42.4 percent to $49.5 million while income before income taxes increased 19.7 percent to $67.1 million. YTD earnings per share increased $0.55 to $1.84 per share.  

The company’s YTD results benefited from a 36 percent increase in its online sales. In 2018, it significantly expanded its online ordering program with curbside pickup known as Weis 2 Go Online. This service is currently offered at 87 store locations. In September, the company began partnering with Shipt which offers online ordering with home delivery. This service is available at 172 stores.