The increase comprised a $4.0 million increase in comparable store sales and a $3.1 million increase in new store sales, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in net sales related to closed stores. Daily average comparable store sales in the third quarter were up 1.2 percent versus 0.5 percent in the second quarter. “We delivered positive daily average comparable store sales growth in the third quarter despite a challenging consumer environment,” said Kemper Isely, co-president. The Natural Grocers store in Abilene, Texas, was relocated during the quarter, opening at its new address April 9. Daily average comparable store sales increased 1.1 percent in the nine months, comprising a 1.8 percent increase in daily average transaction size and a 0.6 percent decrease in daily average transaction count.