Rite Aid comps increase 1.1% in August

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales got another boost in August, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The 4,604-store chain reported a 1.1% increase in same-store sales for the five-week period that ended Aug. 31, including a 1.7% decrease in front-end comps and a 2.5% increase in pharmacy comps, which included a 1.6% negative effect from the introduction of new generic drugs. Same-store prescription count decreased by 0.2%.

Total sales for the month were $2.425 billion, a 1.1% increase over $2.399 billion last year.

For the 13 weeks that ended Aug. 31, same-store sales increased by 1%, including a 0.3% decrease in front-end comps and a 1.7% increase in pharmacy comps. Total sales for the period were $6.25 billion, a 0.7% increase over $6.205 billion during the same period last year.

For the year to date, comps decreased by 0.8%, including flat front-end comps and a 1.1% decrease in pharmacy comps, as well as a 0.1% decrease in same-store prescription count. Total-store sales during the same period were $12.514 billion, a 1% decrease compared with $12.646 billion during the same period last year.

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