Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 5.4% to $1.17 billion, with comparable store sales up by 1.2% [4][24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $67 million, exceeding guidance due to favorable tax impacts [5][27] - Gross profit rose by 3% to $355.1 million, with a gross margin of 30.4%, down 70 basis points year-over-year [25][26] - Net income decreased to $11.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $24.2 million, or $0.24 last year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 13 new stores and closed 2, ending the quarter with 563 stores across 16 states [24] - Comparable store sales growth was driven by a 1.8% increase in transactions, partially offset by a 60 basis points decrease in average transaction size [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects same-store sales growth for Q4 to be between flat and up 1% due to recent promotional adjustments [5][29] - The percentage of sales from electronic benefits transfer payments, largely related to SNAP benefits, was approximately 9% last year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four strategic imperatives: improving new store performance, securing top talent, addressing execution gaps, and enhancing execution at scale [6][19] - A store refresh program is being rolled out to improve customer experience and drive comparable sales growth, with plans to complete approximately 150 stores by the end of 2026 [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed dissatisfaction with current comparable performance but noted significant progress in strategic initiatives that should lead to stronger performance in 2026 [22][32] - The company is adjusting its guidance for the year, anticipating a range of 0.6%-0.9% for comparable store sales growth [29] Other Important Information - The company is investing in technology to enhance inventory visibility and improve operational efficiency for independent operators [8][9] - New leadership hires in operations and supply chain are expected to strengthen the company's execution capabilities [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the split of transaction versus average ticket for Q3? - Management noted that transactions were running just under 2% while basket sizes were down slightly, leading to a 1.2% comp growth [33] Question: Can you provide more detail on the promotional activity and marketing mix? - Management indicated that adjustments in promotions and marketing led to a correlation with comp performance, with a return to positive comps after course corrections [34][36] Question: What is the expected comp growth needed to leverage SG&A? - The company indicated that around 2.5% comp growth is needed to achieve SG&A leverage [56] Question: How is the refresh program performing in different markets? - Management reported positive results from the refresh program across various markets, with significant improvements in basket size and customer experience [57] Question: What impact do you expect from SNAP benefits changes? - Management stated that while SNAP accounts for about 9% of sales, historical data showed no significant impact on sales during previous reductions in benefits [44]