Total net sales increased 3.7% to $1.14 billion for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023, from $1.10 billion for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2022. The increase in total net sales includes retail price inflation in grocery and fresh product categories. Comparable store sales for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022 increased 3.1% including fuel and 3.6% excluding fuel.
Although the Company experienced retail inflation and deflation in various commodities for the periods presented, the Company anticipates overall product costs to increase given the recent inflationary indicators in the food retail industry. Management cannot accurately measure the full impact of inflation or deflation on retail pricing due to changes in the types of merchandise sold between periods, shifts in customer buying patterns and the fluctuation of competitive factors. Management remains confident in its ability to generate long-term sales growth in a highly competitive environment, but also understands some competitors have greater financial resources and could use these resources to take measures which could adversely affect the Company’s competitive position.
Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales consists of direct product costs (net of discounts and allowances), net advertising costs, distribution center and transportation costs, as well as manufacturing facility operations.
Gross profit on sales decreased 2.7% for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. Gross profit margin decreased 1.6% for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The Company experienced degradation in its gross profit margin as product costs increased in the fresh meats and pharmacy departments and lower margin departments, such as pharmacy, increased in the product mix.
Non-cash LIFO inventory valuation adjustments represent expense of $1.6 million in the first thirteen weeks of 2023 compared to expense of $1.7 million in the same period in 2022. Although the Company experienced cost inflation and deflation in various commodities for the periods presented, the Company anticipates overall product costs to increase given the recent inflationary indicators in the food retail industry.
Operating, General and Administrative Expenses
The majority of the operating, general and administrative expenses are driven by sales volume.
Employee expenses such as wages, employer paid taxes, health care benefits and retirement plans, comprise approximately 59.9% of the total “Operating, general and administrative expenses.” As a percent of sales, direct store labor decreased 0.2% in the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022.
Depreciation and amortization expense charged to “Operating, general and administrative expenses” was $24.1 million, or 2.1% of net sales during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2023 compared to $23.3 million, or 2.1% of net sales during the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2022. See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section for further information regarding the Company’s capital expenditure program.