Ahold reports 3.3% sales increase for FY08

Dutch retailer Ahold has reported net sales climbed to EUR25.7 billion (USD37.6 billion) in FY08, 3.3% higher than 2007. At constant exchange rates, net sales were up 6.9%.

In the USA, sales at Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover increased 2.8% to USD4.0 billion, while Giant-Carlisle saw growth of 10.0% to USD4.7 billion. In its home market, the Netherlands, net sales at Albert Heijn were 12.9% higher at EUR9.0 billion (USD13.2 billion). In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, sales grew by 13.9% to EUR1.8 billion (USD2.6 billion), which equals an increase of 2.8% at constant exchange rates. Net sales of its unconsolidated joint venture ICA in Scandinavia grew 6.3% to EUR 9.5 billion (USD13.9 billion). At constant exchange rates, net sales increased 9.6%.

The retailer said that during the fourth quarter of 2008, it saw a solid sales performance in all of its major markets, with strong holiday sales in the United States and The Netherlands. Ahold's sales in Q4 increased by 12.9% (5.9% at constant exchange rates) up to EUR6.6 billion (USD9.7 billion).

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