<p> New stores and remodels are on the way for SpartanNash as the retailer saw a massive jump in its consolidated net sales for Q1 2014, its <B>third consecutive quarter of positive comps</b>. Sales increased to $2.3 billion from $780.3 million last year, <B>a 199.1% increase</b>. This huge jump is mostly due to the $1.5 billion in sales that were generated as a result of the November 2013 merger with Nash Finch Company, as well as a 2.5% increase in comparable store sales.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “We are pleased to deliver a quarter of very strong earnings growth,” said Dennis Eidson, SpartanNash’s President and CEO. “While we are early in the integration process, we are highly encouraged by our progress to-date on the integration plan and ability to achieve our <B>$52 million synergy target</b>. We look forward to continuing to leverage our combined retail, food distribution, and military operations to realize our long term growth opportunities.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Net sales for the food distribution segment increased to $971.0 million from $336.7 million from the same period last year, <B>a 188.4% increase</b>, while net sales for retail increased to $678.6 million from $443.6 million, a <B>53% increase</b>.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> SpartanNash will continue investing in its three segments to remain competitive in a difficult retail environment. Plans for the second quarter include <B>three major remodels and re-banners</b>, along with four more major store remodels. <B>Two additional stores</b> are planned, with one scheduled to open in the third quarter, and the other to open in early 2015.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Looking ahead, store sales are expected to remain positive, but at a lower rate. SpartanNash anticipates seeing consolidated net sales around $7.9 billion to $8.04 billion.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> It seems like it’s going to be a tough road ahead for many retailers. With SpartanNash’s recent success, I anticipate seeing how well this newly merged retailer will continue its performance in future quarters.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" https://www.spartannash.com/investors" target="_new"> SpartanNash </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
