Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,547,459
Trading Symbol	ngvc
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		22,464,868
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,234	$ 4,017
Accounts receivable, net	3,189	3,747
Merchandise inventory	92,514	86,330
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,722	3,233
Total current assets	101,659	97,327
Property and equipment, net	187,126	178,297
Other assets:
Deposits and other assets	1,531	971
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $387 and $380, respectively	5,594	5,601
Deferred financing costs, net	44	50
Total other assets	7,169	6,622
Total assets	295,954	282,246
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	60,888	53,615
Accrued expenses	13,665	12,448
Capital and financing lease obligations, current portion	507	478
Total current liabilities	75,060	66,541
Long-term liabilities:
Capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion	31,419	31,429
Revolving credit facility	26,477	27,428
Deferred income tax liabilities	11,605	12,178
Deferred compensation	990	757
Deferred rent	9,874	8,809
Leasehold incentives	8,379	8,379
Total long-term liabilities	88,744	88,980
Total liabilities	163,804	155,521
Commitments (Note 6 and 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 22,510,279 shares issued at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016 and 22,464,868 and 22,452,609 outstanding at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	23	23
Additional paid-in capital	55,659	55,437
Retained earnings	77,012	71,955
Common stock in treasury at cost, 45,411 and 57,670 shares, at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively	(544)	(690)
Total stockholders’ equity	132,150	126,725
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 295,954	$ 282,246

Consolidated Balance Sheets (C3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 387	$ 380
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	22,510,279	22,510,279
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	22,464,868	22,452,609
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	45,411	57,670

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net sales	$ 192,203	$ 177,395	$ 375,780	$ 345,181
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	138,045	125,792	269,469	245,283
Gross profit	54,158	51,603	106,311	99,898
Store expenses	42,400	38,774	84,243	74,673
Administrative expenses	4,959	4,936	9,842	9,690
Pre-opening and relocation expenses	1,284	1,444	2,545	2,392
Operating income	5,515	6,449	9,681	13,143
Interest expense	(879)	(733)	(1,862)	(1,386)
Income before income taxes	4,636	5,716	7,819	11,757
Provision for income taxes	(1,640)	(2,139)	(2,762)	(4,432)
Net income	$ 2,996	$ 3,577	$ 5,057	$ 7,325
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.33
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.33
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	22,458,524	22,499,378	22,455,964	22,498,327
Diluted (in shares)	22,469,349	22,510,409	22,464,979	22,505,079

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,057	$ 7,325
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	14,440	12,237
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		2
Share-based compensation	414	452
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(573)	4,780
Non-cash interest expense	6	7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable, net	558	306
Merchandise inventory	(6,184)	(7,701)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,414	(1,738)
Accounts payable	4,580	5,690
Accrued expenses	1,183	(4,981)
Deferred compensation	233	218
Deferred rent and leasehold incentives	1,316	1,414
Net cash provided by operating activities	22,444	18,011
Investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(23,598)	(23,664)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment, net of commissions of $80 and zero, respectively	2,564	12
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,034)	(23,652)
Financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facility	142,350	147,662
Repayments under credit facility	(143,300)	(139,085)
Capital and financing lease obligations payments	(231)	(199)
Loan fees paid		(42)
Payments on withholding tax for vested restricted stock units	(12)	(10)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,193)	8,326
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	217	2,685
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,017	2,915
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,234	5,600
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	330	83
Cash paid for interest on capital and financing lease obligations, net of capitalized interest of $237 and $316, respectively	1,483	1,247
Income taxes paid	1,382	6,012
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment not yet paid	9,528	6,031
Property acquired through capital and financing lease obligations		$ 2,665

Consolidated Statements of Cas6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment, commissions	$ 80	$ 0
Capitalized interest	$ 237	$ 316

Note 1 - Organization

Note 1 - Organization	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. Organization Nature of Business Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (Natural Grocers or the holding company) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) operate retail stores that specialize in natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements. The Company operates its retail stores under its trademark Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage ® . As of March 31, 2017, 135 stores in 19 126 19 September 30, 2016.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Consolidated Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial statements and are in the form prescribed by Article 10 10 7 10 September 30. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the holding company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. (the operating company) and Vitamin Cottage Two Ltd. Liability Company (VC2). The Company has one three six March 31, 2017 2016, Three months ended March 31, Six months ended March 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Grocery 65.9 % 66.2 65.9 66.2 Dietary supplements 23.1 22.8 22.6 22.4 Other 11.0 11.0 11.5 11.4 100.0 % 100.0 100.0 100.0 Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management reviews its estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to lease assumptions, allowances for self-insurance reserves, valuation of inventories, useful lives of property and equipment for depreciation and amortization, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and litigation based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04, 350): 2017 04). 2017 04 first two January 1, 2017 first September 30, 2020. In March 2016, 2016 09, 718, 2016 09). 2016 09 2016 09 first September 30, 2018, 2016 09. he adoption of ASU 2016 09 In February 2016, 2016 02, 842, 2016 02). 2016 02 12 2016 02 2016 02 first September 30, 2020, adoption of ASU 2016 02 2016 02 In July 2015, 2015 11, 330, 2015 11). 2015 11, first 2015 11 2015 11 December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years. The provisions of ASU 2015 11 first September 30, 2018. In May 2014, 2014 09, 606, 2014 09). 2014 09 2014 09’s 2014 09 July 2015, 2015 14, 2014 09, one December 15, 2017. December 15, 2016. 2014 09 first September 30, 2019. 2014 09 2014 09

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	3. Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if the Company’s granted but unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) were to vest, resulting in the issuance of common stock that would then share in the Company’s earnings. Presented below are basic and diluted EPS for the three six March 31, 2017 2016, Three months ended Six months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income $ 2,996 3,577 5,057 7,325 Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding 22,458,524 22,499,378 22,455,964 22,498,327 Effect of dilutive securities 10,825 11,031 9,015 6,752 Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding including effect of dilutive securities 22,469,349 22,510,409 22,464,979 22,505,079 Basic earnings per share $ 0.13 0.16 0.23 0.33 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.13 0.16 0.23 0.33 There were 83,726 three six March 31, 2017 17,833 104,716 three six March 31, 2016, The Company did not three six March 31, 2017 2016.

Note 4 - Debt

Note 4 - Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]	4. Credit Facility The Company is party to a credit facility (the Credit Facility) pursuant to which the amount available for borrowing is $45.0 $5.0 VC2. may $5.0 January 31, 2021. For floating rate borrowings under the Credit Facility, interest is determined by the lender’s administrative agent based on the most recent compliance certificate of the operating company and stated at the base rate less the lender spread based upon certain financial measures. For fixed rate borrowings under the Credit Facility, interest is determined by quoted LIBOR rates for the interest period plus the lender spread based upon certain financial measures. The unused commitment fee is based upon certain financial measures. The Credit Facility requires compliance with certain customary operational and financial covenants, including a leverage ratio. The Credit Facility also contains certain other customary limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, guarantee other obligations, grant liens on assets and make investments or acquisitions, among other limitations. Additionally, the Credit Facility prohibits the payment of cash dividends, except that so long as no default exists or would arise as a result thereof, the operating company may $10.0 The Company had $26.5 $27.4 March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, $1.0 $17.5 $16.6 March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, Capital and Financing Lease Obligations The Company had 16 March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 6). Interest The Company incurred gross interest expense of approximately $0.9 $0.7 three March 31, 2017 2016, $1.9 $1.4 six March 31, 2017 2016, three six March 31, 2017 2016 $0.2 three March 31, 2017 2016 , and $0.2 $0.3 six March 31, 2017 2016,

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Share Repurchases On May 5, 2016, two may $10.0 Repurchases under the Company’s share repurchase program are made from time to time at management’s discretion on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions in compliance with Rule 10b 18 1934, (the Exchange Act), subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. Repurchases of common stock may 10b5 1 may As of September 30, 2016, 67,970 not six March 31, 2017 2016. As of September 30, 2016, 10,300 $0.1 three six March 31, 2017, 10,392 12,259 $0.1 $0.1 three six March 31, 2016, not At March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, 45,411 57,670 $0.5 $0.7 Between April 1, 2017 April 28, 2017 not

Note 6 - Lease Commitments

Note 6 - Lease Commitments	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Capital and financing lease obligations as of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, As of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Capital lease finance obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2032 $ 26,817 25,619 Capital lease obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2041 5,109 5,213 Capital lease finance obligations for assets under construction, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2032 — 1,075 Total capital and financing lease obligations 31,926 31,907 Less current portion (507 ) (478 ) Total capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion $ 31,419 31,429 On October 7, 2016, third 15 $2.6 $0.5 The Company classified the lease as operating and considers the transaction as a normal leaseback with no continuing involvement under the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840,

Note 7 - Property and Equipment

Note 7 - Property and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	7. The Company had the following property and equipment balances as of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, As of Useful lives (in years) March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Construction in process n/a $ 11,755 6,561 Capitalized real estate leases for build-to-suit stores, including unamortized land of $617 and $617, respectively 40 29,548 28,393 Capitalized real estate leases 15 5,735 5,735 Land n/a 192 192 Buildings 40 12,489 12,546 Land improvements 5 - 24 1,134 1,055 Leasehold and building improvements 1 - 25 125,706 118,119 Fixtures and equipment 5 - 7 111,219 103,415 Computer hardware and software 3 - 5 18,168 16,737 315,946 292,753 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (128,820 ) (114,456 ) Property and equipment, net $ 187,126 178,297 As of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016, zero $1.1 Capitalized real estate leases for build-to-suit stores includes the assets for the Company’s buildings under capital lease finance obligations, and capitalized real estate leases includes assets for the Company’s buildings under capital lease obligations (see Note 6 ) . Depreciation and amortization expense for the three six March 31, 2017 2016 Three months ended Six months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Depreciation and amortization expense included in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs $ 268 214 516 419 Depreciation and amortization expense included in store expenses 6,672 5,677 13,191 11,233 Depreciation and amortization expense included in administrative expenses 379 301 733 585 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 7,319 6,192 14,440 12,237

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	8 . Accrued Expenses The composition of accrued expenses as of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 As of March 31, September 30, 2017 2016 Accrued property, sales and use tax payable $ 5,595 5,648 Payroll and employee-related expenses 4,862 4,395 Accrued marketing expenses 977 567 Deferred revenue related to gift card sales 914 866 Other 1,317 972 Total accrued expenses $ 13,665 12,448

Note 9 - Related Party Transact

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	9. The Company has ongoing relationships with related entities as noted below: Chalet Properties, LLC: five one four $0.3 three March 31, 2017 2016. $0.6 six March 31, 2017 2016. Isely Family Land Trust LLC: one $0.1 three March 31, 2017 2016. $0.2 six March 31, 2017 2016. FTVC LLC: one four $0.1 three March 31, 2017 2016. $0.1 six March 31, 2017 2016.

Note 10 - Commitments and Conti

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	10. The Company is periodically involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business, including but not limited to employment discrimination claims, customer injury claims and investigations. When the potential liability from a matter can be estimated and the loss is considered probable, the Company records the estimated loss. Due to uncertainties related to the resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims, the ultimate outcome may

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial statements and are in the form prescribed by Article 10 10 7 10 September 30. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the holding company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. (the operating company) and Vitamin Cottage Two Ltd. Liability Company (VC2). The Company has one three six March 31, 2017 2016, Three months ended March 31, Six months ended March 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Grocery 65.9 % 66.2 65.9 66.2 Dietary supplements 23.1 22.8 22.6 22.4 Other 11.0 11.0 11.5 11.4
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management reviews its estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to lease assumptions, allowances for self-insurance reserves, valuation of inventories, useful lives of property and equipment for depreciation and amortization, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and litigation based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, 2017 04, 350): 2017 04). 2017 04 first two January 1, 2017 first September 30, 2020. In March 2016, 2016 09, 718, 2016 09). 2016 09 2016 09 first September 30, 2018, 2016 09. he adoption of ASU 2016 09 In February 2016, 2016 02, 842, 2016 02). 2016 02 12 2016 02 2016 02 first September 30, 2020, adoption of ASU 2016 02 2016 02 In July 2015, 2015 11, 330, 2015 11). 2015 11, first 2015 11 2015 11 December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those years. The provisions of ASU 2015 11 first September 30, 2018. In May 2014, 2014 09, 606, 2014 09). 2014 09 2014 09’s 2014 09 July 2015, 2015 14, 2014 09, one December 15, 2017. December 15, 2016. 2014 09 first September 30, 2019. 2014 09 2014 09

Note 2 - Basis of Presentatio18

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block]	Three months ended March 31, Six months ended March 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Grocery 65.9 % 66.2 65.9 66.2 Dietary supplements 23.1 22.8 22.6 22.4 Other 11.0 11.0 11.5 11.4 100.0 % 100.0 100.0 100.0

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share (Ta

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Six months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income $ 2,996 3,577 5,057 7,325 Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding 22,458,524 22,499,378 22,455,964 22,498,327 Effect of dilutive securities 10,825 11,031 9,015 6,752 Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding including effect of dilutive securities 22,469,349 22,510,409 22,464,979 22,505,079 Basic earnings per share $ 0.13 0.16 0.23 0.33 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.13 0.16 0.23 0.33

Note 6 - Lease Commitments (Tab

Note 6 - Lease Commitments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Capital lease finance obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2032 $ 26,817 25,619 Capital lease obligations, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2041 5,109 5,213 Capital lease finance obligations for assets under construction, due in monthly installments through fiscal year 2032 — 1,075 Total capital and financing lease obligations 31,926 31,907 Less current portion (507 ) (478 ) Total capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion $ 31,419 31,429

Note 7 - Property and Equipme21

Note 7 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment Components [Table Text Block]	As of Useful lives (in years) March 31, 2017 September 30, 2016 Construction in process n/a $ 11,755 6,561 Capitalized real estate leases for build-to-suit stores, including unamortized land of $617 and $617, respectively 40 29,548 28,393 Capitalized real estate leases 15 5,735 5,735 Land n/a 192 192 Buildings 40 12,489 12,546 Land improvements 5 - 24 1,134 1,055 Leasehold and building improvements 1 - 25 125,706 118,119 Fixtures and equipment 5 - 7 111,219 103,415 Computer hardware and software 3 - 5 18,168 16,737 315,946 292,753 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (128,820 ) (114,456 ) Property and equipment, net $ 187,126 178,297
Depreciation and Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Three months ended Six months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Depreciation and amortization expense included in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs $ 268 214 516 419 Depreciation and amortization expense included in store expenses 6,672 5,677 13,191 11,233 Depreciation and amortization expense included in administrative expenses 379 301 733 585 Total depreciation and amortization expense $ 7,319 6,192 14,440 12,237

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses (Tabl

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, September 30, 2017 2016 Accrued property, sales and use tax payable $ 5,595 5,648 Payroll and employee-related expenses 4,862 4,395 Accrued marketing expenses 977 567 Deferred revenue related to gift card sales 914 866 Other 1,317 972 Total accrued expenses $ 13,665 12,448

Note 1 - Organization (Details

Note 1 - Organization (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Number of Stores	135	126
Number of States in which Entity Operates	19	19

Note 2 - Basis of Presentatio24

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note 2 - Basis of Presentatio25

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Sales From Natural and Organic Retail Stores (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Sales percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Grocery [Member]
Sales percentage	65.90%	66.20%	65.90%	66.20%
Dietary Supplements [Member]
Sales percentage	23.10%	22.80%	22.60%	22.40%
Other [Member]
Sales percentage	11.00%	11.00%	11.50%	11.40%

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share (De

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	83,726	17,833	83,726	104,716

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share - B

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 2,996	$ 3,577	$ 5,057	$ 7,325
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)	22,458,524	22,499,378	22,455,964	22,498,327
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	10,825	11,031	9,015	6,752
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding including effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	22,469,349	22,510,409	22,464,979	22,505,079
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.33
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.33

Note 4 - Debt (Details Textual)

Note 4 - Debt (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		11 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	May 10, 2016USD ($)
Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Number of Leases	16		16		16	16
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization	$ 0.9	$ 0.7	$ 1.9	$ 1.4
Interest Costs Capitalized	0.2	$ 0.2	0.2	$ 0.3
Letter of Credit [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	1		1		$ 1	$ 1
The New Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity							$ 45
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Contingent Additional Borrowings							5
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions, Maximum Amount					10
Long-term Line of Credit	26.5		26.5		26.5	27.4
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 17.5		$ 17.5		$ 17.5	$ 16.6
The New Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity							$ 5

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity (

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 05, 2016	Apr. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force	2 years
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$ 10,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					0	0	67,970
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued for Equity-based Compensation Obligations			10,392	0	12,259	0	10,300
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued for Equity-based Compensation Obligations			$ 100		$ 100		$ 100
Treasury Stock, Shares			45,411		45,411		57,670
Treasury Stock, Value			$ 544		$ 544		$ 690
Subsequent Event [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		0

Note 6 - Lease Commitments (Det

Note 6 - Lease Commitments (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Oct. 07, 2016USD ($)
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Lease Term	15 years
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds, Financing Activities	$ 2.6
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Loss, Gross	$ 0.5

Note 6 - Lease Commitments - Ca

Note 6 - Lease Commitments - Capital and Financing Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Total capital and financing lease obligations	$ 31,926	$ 31,907
Less current portion	(507)	(478)
Total capital and financing lease obligations, net of current portion	31,419	31,429
Due in Monthly Installments Through Fiscal Year 2031 [Member]
Capital lease finance obligations	26,817	25,619
Asset not under Construction, Due in Monthly Installments Through Fiscal Year 2041 [Member]
Capital lease obligations	5,109	5,213
Asset under Construction, Due in Monthly Installments Through Fiscal Year 2032 [Member]
Capital lease finance obligations		$ 1,075

Note 7 - Property and Equipme32

Note 7 - Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 315,946	$ 292,753
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	11,755	6,561
Construction in Progress [Member] | Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 0	$ 1,100

Note 7 - Property and Equipme33

Note 7 - Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 315,946	$ 292,753
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(128,820)	(114,456)
Property and equipment, net	187,126	178,297
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	11,755	6,561
Assets Held Under Real Estate Leases for Build to Suit Stores [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 29,548	28,393
Useful life (Year)	40 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 5,735	5,735
Useful life (Year)	15 years
Land [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 192	192
Building [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 12,489	12,546
Useful life (Year)	40 years
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 1,134	1,055
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	24 years
Leasehold and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 125,706	118,119
Leasehold and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	1 year
Leasehold and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	25 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 111,219	103,415
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	7 years
Computer Hardware and Software [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment, gross	$ 18,168	$ 16,737
Computer Hardware and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	3 years
Computer Hardware and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years

Note 7 - Property and Equipme34

Note 7 - Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 315,946	$ 292,753
Unamortized Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 617	$ 617

Note 7 - Property and Equipme35

Note 7 - Property and Equipment - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Depreciation and amortization	$ 7,319	$ 6,192	$ 14,440	$ 12,237
Cost of Sales [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	268	214	516	419
Stores [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	6,672	5,677	13,191	11,233
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 379	$ 301	$ 733	$ 585

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses - Com

Note 8 - Accrued Expenses - Composition of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accrued property, sales and use tax payable	$ 5,595	$ 5,648
Payroll and employee-related expenses	4,862	4,395
Accrued marketing expenses	977	567
Deferred revenue related to gift card sales	914	866
Other	1,317	972
Total accrued expenses	$ 13,665	$ 12,448

Note 9 - Related Party Transa37

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Chalet [Member]
Number of Operating Leases	5		5
Number of Capital Leases	1		1
Related Party Transaction Number of Owners That Are Non-Independent Board Members of the Entity			4
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Isely Family Land Trust LLC [Member]
Number of Operating Leases	1		1
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 0.1	0.1	$ 0.2	0.2
FTVC, LLC [Member]
Number of Operating Leases	1		1
Related Party Transaction Number of Owners That Are Non-Independent Board Members of the Entity			4
FTVC, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1