Safeway 1997 Annual Report Download - page 13

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We continue to reinvest cost savings into the business to drive sales
growth, resulting in improved store standards, enhanced customer
service and competitive pricing. Despite the absence of food price
inflation in many of our operating areas during 1997, identical-store
sales rose 1.3% for the year and 6.4% over a two-year period.
The Vons merger significantly expanded our sales base and
geographic reach.
Further progress in category management enabled us to meet
our customers’ needs more effectively.
Great Meal Combos, our new line of prepared entrees and side dishes,
were popular additions to our deli offerings.
We introduced 211 new Safeway SELECT items during 1997, bringing
the total product line to more than 850 items.
Increasing Sales
10
2.1% 4.4% 4.6% 5.1% 1.3%
Our identical-store sales 
gains over the past five 
years are among the 
best in the industry.
Annual Identical-Store Sales Growth
93 94 95 96 97