FRED MEYER ACQUISITIONS HIKE SALES IN QUARTER, HALF

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fred Meyer Inc. here said last week the addition of acquired stores boosted sales for the second quarter and first half ended Aug. 15. on, Calif.; and Hughes Family Markets, Irwindale, Calif., in March.Because the Smith's and Ralphs acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and the QFC acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests, the company said 1998 results include