Bob Obray Shares Message and First-Quarter Results
As we head into the second quarter of the year, I want to give you an update and express my gratitude for the effort put forth over the last three months. This year continues to present challenges and obstacles. Inflation, supply issues and other factors combine to create difficulties. However, there are so many positives and so much to celebrate.
I’m so proud to be part of One Associated. In addition to our amazing results for 2021, our first-quarter sales for 2022 reached record levels. Sales for our Wholesale Operations are up 10.3% compared to the first quarter of last year. Inflation is a factor, but units are up 4.6%. We haven’t experienced the traditional first-quarter slowdown this year and just finished a record-setting case lot sale.
Sales for our Wholesale Operations reflect how stores are performing and we’re thrilled to hear of the many successes taking place at retail. It is so impressive to see everyone collaborating so effectively from the corporate office to the distribution center to our retail stores. Please know that your daily efforts are making a profound, positive impact.
Our corporate stores eclipsed $200 million in sales for the first quarter. That’s up 14% against the first quarter of last year. Great things are happening throughout Associated Food Stores.
Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and hard work. This year will likely be a challenging year operationally for our retail members due to ongoing labor and supply challenges, but the financial results for them, like the last two years, should be rewarding. They continue to express their gratitude for the team here and for the ongoing support they receive from us.
Thanks for hanging in there and continuing the fight. You are the best teams on the planet. One Associated will continue to Rise Together!
Bob