ARCADIA, Calif. -- Same-store sales increases helped boost earnings at Vons Cos. here for the first quarter ended March 24. Net income for the 12 weeks rose 25% to $17.5 million. Sales rose 5.5% to $1.2 billion, and same-store sales increased 4.2%, Vons reported. "Our strong same-store sales gains and earnings reflect the company's continuing focus on improving customer service and our commitment to maintaining competitive prices and an active promotional program," said Lawrence A. Del Santo, chairman and chief executive officer of the 329-store chain.
