ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Ingles Markets eked out a small gain in comparable-store sales, but net income fell by 45.6% in the fiscal first quarter that ended Dec. 26, the retailer here said Friday. Price deflation, changing consumer buying habits and a slower ramp-up of new stores brought on by the economic downturn impacted results.
Overall sales increased 4.5% to $841 million, comps excluding gasoline increased by 0.8%. Net earnings fell from $11.1 million to $6 million.
“Giv
