Ito-Yokado Co. has claimed top spot in the supermarket chain sector in terms of operating profits for the first time in two years, according to an earnings report released by the company Thursday.
The retailer posted 30.57 billion yen in unconsolidated operating profits in its business year through February, up 88.1 percent from the previous year, while rival Aeon Co. logged 26.54 billion yen. Aeon, which runs the Jusco supermarket chain, took the No. 1 slot in terms of operating profits in 2000.
Ito-Yokado officials attributed the rise to restructuring efforts aimed at increasing the firm's operational efficiency, along with improved store layouts, product development and marketing.