<p style="text-indent:0px; line-height:12px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Grand Rapids, MI-</span><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">By ANUK Staff<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">2.15.13</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Spartan Stores, Inc. leading regional grocery distributor and retailer, has reported financial results for its 16-week third quarter of fiscal 2013 ended January 5, 2013.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Net sales for the 16-week third quarter decreased .9 percent from $797.2 million in the similar period last year to $789.9 million. The decrease was said to be the result of lower distribution and supermarket sales, which was offset to a degree by increased fuel sales.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, we made continued progress in the execution of our key strategic priorities during the third quarter,” said Dennis Eidson, President and CEO. “We continued to invest in both our distribution and retail segments by opening new stores, remodeling existing stores, refining our promotional efforts and strengthening our private brand offerings.”<img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/spartan-stores-decreasing-sales-feb-banner.jpg" alt="Spartan Sales Flat in 3rd Quarter -IMAGES" />Gross profit margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 was 20.4 percent. Third quarter operating expenses, excluding restructuring, asset impairment and other gains or losses, were $149.1 million, or 18.9 percent of net sales, compared to $150.5 million, or 18.9 percent of net sales in the same quarter last year.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Spartan anticipates that sales will be flat to slightly positive in Q4 as its Yes Rewards loyalty program matures and a favorable Easter calendar approaches. Distribution sales should return to flat to slightly positive relative to the prior year as a result of new business gains and the Easter calendar shift.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.spartanstores.com/internet.nsf/nav/home?OpenDocument" target="_new">Spartan </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
