US-based retailer Weis Markets has reported that net income increased 82.4 per cent during the first quarter of the year, up to US$16.5m compared with the same period of 2008.

For the thirteen-week period ended 28 March 2009, sales increased 1.8 per cent to hit US$606.2m, with comparable store sales jumping 1.6 per cent.

Sales were, however, impacted by the later Easter holiday sales period, which fell during the first quarter in 2008.

'Our results reflect the continued improvement in our operating performance,' said group president and CEO David Hepfinger in a statement. 'We have done a better job of balancing the needs of our business and managing our expenses – these improvements are clearly apparent in our income from core operations, which increased 154.2 per cent in the first quarter.

'It is also important to note that we operate in a difficult sales environment,' he added. 'Our core markets are clearly affected by higher unemployment rates and a record low consumer confidence index, which has resulted in cautious overall spending by our customers.'

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