Weis Markets’ net income soared in the fourth quarter as investments in prices and advertising helped boost sales.

The Food retailer’s net income for the 13 weeks ended December 28 jumped 69 per cent to $34.6 million, while operating income rose 44.5 per cent to $42.3 million.

Net sales were up 1.2 per cent to $1.2 billion and comparable store sales excluding fuel increased 1.1 per cent.

For the full year, net sales grew 1.6 per cent to $4.7 billion, with comparable store sales excluding fuel up 1.9 per cent. Net income improved 5.9 per cent to $109 million.

Chairman, president and CEO Jonathan H Weis said the fourth-quarter and full-year results were in line with expectations.

“Several factors helped us achieve our results including sustained price investments, disciplined advertising and loyalty marketing programs along with the successful integration of technology to help us improve efficiencies and manage expenses while offering a consistently strong customer experience,” he added.

The retailer currently has 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.

Last month, the company promoted Bob Gleeson to COO from his previous role of SVP of merchandising and marketing.