10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

    x     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 15, 2012.

OR

    ¨     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from          to         .

Commission File Number: 000-31127

SPARTAN STORES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Michigan	38-0593940
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
850 76th Street, S.W. P.O. Box 8700 Grand Rapids, Michigan	49518
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(616) 878-2000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act)    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of October 22, 2012 the registrant had 21,754,626 outstanding shares of common stock, no par value.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in our press releases and in our website-accessible conference calls with analysts and investor presentations include “forward-looking statements” about the plans, strategies, objectives, goals or expectations of Spartan Stores, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Spartan Stores”). These forward-looking statements are identifiable by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guidance,” or “outlook” is “confident” that a particular occurrence or event “began,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should” or “will likely” result or occur, or “appears” to have occurred, or will “continue” in the future, that a development is an “opportunity,” a “priority,” a “strategy,” or “initiative” or similarly stated expectations. Accounting estimates, such as those described under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies” in Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q, are inherently forward-looking. Our asset impairment, restructuring cost provisions and fair value measurements are estimates and actual costs may be more or less than these estimates and differences may be material. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of the Quarterly Report, release, presentation, or statement.

In addition to other risks and uncertainties described in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Spartan Stores’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012 (in particular, you should refer to the discussion of “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K) and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, there are many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Our ability to maintain and improve our retail-store performance; assimilate acquired stores; maintain or grow sales; respond successfully to competitors, the weak economic environment or changing consumer behavior; maintain or increase gross margin; anticipate and successfully respond to openings of competitors; maintain and improve customer and supplier relationships; realize expected benefits of new customer relationships or capital investments, new retail banner, loyalty program, warehouse consolidation, and store openings; realize growth opportunities; expand our customer base; reduce operating costs; generate cash; continue to meet the terms of our debt covenants; continue to pay dividends and repurchase shares; and implement the other programs, initiatives, plans, priorities, strategies, objectives, goals or expectations described in this Quarterly Report, our other reports or presentations, our press releases and our public comments is not certain and will be affected by changes in economic conditions generally or in the markets and geographic areas that we serve, adverse effects of the changing food and distribution industries and other factors including, but not limited to, those discussed below.

Anticipated future sales are subject to competitive pressures from many sources. Our Distribution and Retail businesses compete with many distributors, supercenters, warehouse discount stores, supermarkets and other retail stores selling food and related products, pharmacies and product manufacturers. Future sales will be dependent on the number of retail stores that we own and operate, our ability to retain and add to the retail stores to whom we distribute, competitive pressures in the retail industry generally and our geographic markets specifically, our ability to implement effective new marketing and merchandising programs and unseasonable weather conditions. Competitive pressures in these and other business segments may result in unexpected reductions in sales volumes, product prices or service fees.

Our operating and administrative expenses, and as a result, our net earnings and cash flows, may be adversely affected by changes in costs associated with, among other factors: difficulties in the operation of our business segments; future business acquisitions; adverse effects on business relationships with independent retail grocery store customers; difficulties in the retention or hiring of employees; labor stoppages or disputes; business and asset divestitures; increased transportation or fuel costs; current or future lawsuits and administrative proceedings; and losses or financial difficulties of customers or suppliers. Our future costs for pension and postretirement benefit costs may be adversely affected by changes in actuarial assumptions and methods, investment return and the composition of the group of employees and retirees covered, changes in our business that result in a withdrawal liability under multi-employer plans, the actions, contributions and financial condition of other employers who participate in multi-employer plans to which we contribute and the funding levels of these plans. Our future income tax expense, and as a result, our net earnings and cash flows, could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws and related interpretations. Our accounting estimates could change and the actual effects of changes in accounting principles could deviate from our estimates due to changes in facts, assumptions, or acceptable methods and actual results may vary materially from our estimates. Our operating and administrative expenses, net earnings and cash flow could also be adversely affected by changes in our sales mix. Our ongoing cost reduction initiatives and changes in our marketing and merchandising programs may not be as successful as anticipated. Acts of

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terrorism, war, natural disaster, fire, accident, and severe weather may adverse affect the availability of and our ability to operate our warehouses and other facilities, and may adversely affect consumer buying behavior, fuel costs, shipping and transportation costs, product cost inflation or deflation and its impact on LIFO expense. General economic conditions and unemployment, particularly in Michigan, government assistance programs, health care reform, or other circumstances beyond our control, may adversely consumer buying behavior. A combination of the aforementioned factors, coupled with prolonged general economic weakness, could result in goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges.

Our future interest expense and income also may differ from current expectations, depending upon, among other factors: the amount of additional borrowings; changes in our borrowing agreements; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in accounting pronouncements; and changes in the amount of fees received or paid. The availability of our secured loan agreement depends on compliance with the terms of the loan agreement and financial stability of the banking community.

This section is intended to provide meaningful cautionary statements. This should not be construed as a complete list of all economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that could adversely affect our expected consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Spartan Stores or that Spartan Stores currently believes are immaterial also may impair its business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and prospects. We undertake no obligation to update or revise our forward-looking statements to reflect developments that occur or information obtained after the date of this Quarterly Report.

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	September 15, 2012			March 31, 2012
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,491		$	26,476
Accounts receivable, net		59,719			58,637
Inventories, net		136,032			99,778
Prepaid expenses		10,606			9,478
Other current assets		10,896			13,686
Deferred taxes on income		—			1,582
Property held for sale		710			—
Total current assets		225,454			209,637
Goodwill		239,834			240,194
Property and equipment, net		261,552			256,776
Other, net		57,173			56,866
Total assets	$	784,013		$	763,473
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	128,803		$	107,703
Accrued payroll and benefits		30,089			39,366
Accrued income taxes		—			12,352
Other accrued expenses		17,611			17,611
Current portion of restructuring costs		3,271			3,472
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		4,185			4,449
Total current liabilities		183,959			184,953
Long-term liabilities
Deferred taxes on income		87,805			83,807
Postretirement benefits		13,521			13,618
Other long-term liabilities		14,975			16,292
Restructuring costs		6,313			7,630
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		150,789			133,565
Total long-term liabilities		273,403			254,912
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, voting, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 21,754 and 22,215 shares outstanding		145,289			155,134
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding		—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(13,793	)		(13,793	)
Retained earnings		195,155			182,267
Total shareholders’ equity		326,651			323,608
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	784,013		$	763,473

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended
	September 15, 2012			September 10, 2011			September 15, 2012			September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	621,559		$	619,647		$	1,225,471		$	1,222,211
Cost of sales		491,333			486,910			973,525			964,137
Gross margin		130,226			132,737			251,946			258,074
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative		110,922			112,891			220,929			224,232
Restructuring, asset impairment and other		356			(135	)		356			(135	)
Total operating expenses		111,278			112,756			221,285			224,097
Operating earnings		18,948			19,981			30,661			33,977
Other income and expenses
Interest expense		3,071			3,412			6,227			6,654
Other, net		(681	)		(42	)		(729	)		(112	)
Total other income and expenses		2,390			3,370			5,498			6,542
Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations		16,558			16,611			25,163			27,435
Income taxes		6,203			6,341			8,732			11,030
Earnings from continuing operations		10,355			10,270			16,431			16,405
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(50	)		(18	)		(123	)		(124	)
Net earnings	$	10,305		$	10,252		$	16,308		$	16,281
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.48		$	0.45		$	0.75		$	0.72
Loss from discontinued operations		(0.01	)*		—			—	*		(0.01	)
Net earnings	$	0.47		$	0.45		$	0.75		$	0.71
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$	0.47		$	0.45		$	0.75		$	0.72
Loss from discontinued operations		—			—			—	*		(0.01	)
Net earnings	$	0.47		$	0.45		$	0.75		$	0.71
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		21,747			22,862			21,800			22,777
Diluted		21,824			22,962			21,880			22,872

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

* Includes Rounding

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	12 Weeks Ended					24 Weeks Ended
	September 15, 2012		September 10, 2011			September 15, 2012		September 10, 2011
Net earnings	$	10,305	$	10,252		$	16,308	$	16,281
Other comprehensive income, before tax
Change in fair value of interest rate swap		—		169			—		58
Total other comprehensive income, before tax		—		169			—		58
Income tax related to items of other comprehensive income		—		(66	)		—		(23	)
Comprehensive Income	$	10,305	$	10,355		$	16,308	$	16,316

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Shares Outstanding			Common Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Total
Balance – March 31, 2012		22,215		$	155,134		$	(13,793	)	$	182,267		$	323,608
Comprehensive income/loss, net of tax:
Net earnings		—			—			—			16,308			16,308
Dividends - $0.16 per share		—			—			—			(3,420	)		(3,420	)
Share repurchase		(634	)		(11,381	)		—			—			(11,381	)
Stock-based employee compensation		—			2,282			—			—			2,282
Issuances of common stock and related tax benefit on stock option exercises		17			215			—			—			215
Issuances of restricted stock and related income tax benefits		225			35			—			—			35
Cancellations of restricted stock		(69	)		(996	)		—			—			(996	)
Balance – September 15, 2012		21,754		$	145,289		$	(13,793	)	$	195,155		$	326,651

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	24 Weeks Ended
	September 15, 2012			September 10, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$	16,308		$	16,281
Loss from discontinued operations		123			124
Earnings from continuing operations		16,431			16,405
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-cash restructuring, asset impairment and other		356			(135	)
Non-cash convertible debt interest		1,794			1,658
Depreciation and amortization		17,564			16,764
LIFO expense		1,380			1,527
Postretirement benefits expense		348			463
Deferred taxes on income		6,443			11,771
Stock-based compensation expense		2,282			2,680
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation		(240	)		(92	)
Other		(632	)		67
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(1,188	)		(3,672	)
Inventories		(37,634	)		(19,000	)
Prepaid expenses		(4,124	)		(3,532	)
Other assets		2,790			132
Accounts payable		21,573			30,129
Accrued payroll and benefits		(10,210	)		(6,268	)
Postretirement benefits payments		(508	)		(187	)
Accrued income taxes		(9,763	)		—
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities		(5,767	)		(6,247	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		895			42,463
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment		(21,006	)		(20,883	)
Net proceeds from the sale of assets		2,376			23
Other		276			(579	)
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(18,354	)		(21,439	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from revolving credit facility		181,975			324
Payments on revolving credit facility		(167,817	)		(196	)
Share repurchase		(11,381	)		—
Repayment of other long-term borrowings		(1,815	)		(1,949	)
Financing fees paid		(1,260	)		—
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation		240			92
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		177			750
Dividends paid		(1,680	)		(1,483	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities		(1,561	)		(2,462	)
Cash flows from discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		35			(306	)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		35			(306	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(18,985	)		18,256
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		26,476			43,824
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7,491		$	62,080

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTAN STORES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Spartan Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Spartan Stores”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Spartan Stores as of September 15, 2012, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Note 2

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other

Restructuring, asset impairment and other included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	—		$	356		$	356
	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	(37	)	$	(98	)	$	(135	)

The following table provides the activity of restructuring costs for the 24 weeks ended September 15, 2012. Restructuring costs recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are included in “Current portion of restructuring costs” in Current liabilities and “Restructuring costs” in Long-term liabilities based on when the obligations are expected to be paid.

(In thousands)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	11,102
Changes in estimates		(435	)(a)
Payments, net of interest accretion		(1,083	)
Balance at September 15, 2012	$	9,584

(a) Goodwill was reduced by $0.4 million in year-to-date fiscal 2013 as a result of these changes in estimates as the initial charges for certain stores were established in the purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions.

Included in the liability are lease obligations recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments, calculated using a risk-free interest rate, and related ancillary costs from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated sublease income.

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Note 3

Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. At September 15, 2012 and March 31, 2012 the estimated fair value and the book value of our debt instruments were as follows:

(In thousands)	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Book value of debt instruments:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	4,185	$	4,449
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		150,789		133,565
Equity component of convertible debt		7,091		8,884
Total book value of debt instruments		162,065		146,898
Fair value of debt instruments		160,935		144,374
Excess of book value over fair value	$	1,130	$	2,524

The estimated fair value of debt is based on market quotes for instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities (level 2 valuation techniques described below).

ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

Note 4

Derivative Instruments

Spartan Stores had limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and used them only to manage well-defined interest rate risk exposure when appropriate, based on market conditions. Spartan Stores’ objective in managing exposure to changes in interest rates is to reduce fluctuations in earnings and cash flows, and consequently, from time to time Spartan Stores uses interest rate swap agreements to manage this risk. Spartan Stores does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

On January 2, 2009, Spartan Stores entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap was considered to be a cash flow hedge of interest payments on $45.0 million of borrowings under Spartan Stores’ senior secured revolving credit facility by effectively converting a portion of the variable rate debt to a fixed rate basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Spartan Stores agreed to pay the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.33% and the counterparty has agreed to pay Spartan Stores a floating interest rate based upon the 1-month LIBOR plus 1.25% on a notional amount of $45 million. The interest rate swap agreement was to expire concurrently with its senior secured revolving credit facility on December 24, 2012. However, the swap agreement was terminated in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

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The following table provides a summary of the financial statement effect of the derivative financial instrument designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge for the quarter ended and year-to-date period ended September 10, 2011. No derivatives were outstanding in fiscal 2013:

(In thousands)	Location in Consolidated Financial Statements	12 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011			24 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011
Loss, net of taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$	(103	)	$	(35	)
Pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	Interest expense		217			358

Note 5

Commitments and Contingencies

Various lawsuits and claims, arising in the ordinary course of business, are pending or have been asserted against Spartan Stores. While the ultimate effect of such actions cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that their outcome will not result in a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity of Spartan Stores.

Spartan Stores contributes to the Central States multi-employer pension plan based on obligations arising from its collective bargaining agreement covering its warehouse union associates. This plan provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Trustees are appointed by employers and unions; however, Spartan Stores is not a trustee. The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plan

Based on the most recent information available to Spartan Stores, we believe that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in this multi-employer plan significantly exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Because we are one of a number of employers contributing to this plan, it is difficult to ascertain what the exact amount of the underfunding would be, although we anticipate that our contributions to this plan will increase each year. Spartan believes that funding levels have not changed significantly since year-end. To reduce this under funding we expect meaningful increases in expense as a result of required incremental multi-employer pension plan contributions over the years. Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably determined.

On October 6, 2012 General Teamsters Union Local 406 ratified a three-year labor agreement which expires on October 10, 2015. Spartan Stores will continue contributions to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund under the terms outlined in the “Primary Schedule” of Central States’ Rehabilitation Plan. This schedule requires an increase in employer contributions of 5% over the previous year’s contribution.

Note 6

Associate Retirement Plans

The following table provides the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for the second quarter ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011:

	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
12 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	45		$	44
Interest cost		597			668			10		12		93			98
Expected return on plan assets		(1,038	)		(942	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(12	)		(12	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		295			382			7		9		31			28
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(146	)	$	108		$	17	$	21	$	157		$	160

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	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
24 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	90		$	88
Interest cost		1,194			1,336			20		24		186			196
Expected return on plan assets		(2,076	)		(1,884	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(25	)		(25	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		590			764			15		18		63			61
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(292	)	$	216		$	35	$	42	$	314		$	320

As of September 15, 2012, pension contributions of approximately $0.3 million have been made. Spartan Stores will assess the prudence of making voluntary contributions to the plan during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. No further contribution payments are required to be made in fiscal 2013 to meet the minimum pension funding requirements.

As previously stated in Note 5, Spartan Stores contributes to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (“Fund”) (EIN 7456500) at a pro rata fraction of 1% of total contributions. Spartan Store’s employer contributions during the last plan year totaled $8.2 million, which Fund administrators represent as less than 5% of total employer contributions to the Fund.

Note 7

Taxes on Income

The effective tax rate was 37.5% and 38.2% for this year’s second quarter and the prior year’s second quarter, respectively. For the year-to-date period and prior year-to-date period the effective income tax rate was 34.7% and 40.2% respectively. The difference from the statutory rate for the year-to-date periods is primarily the result of changes to the state of Michigan tax laws. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a $0.6 million net after-tax benefit and the first quarter of fiscal 2012 includes a net after-tax charge of $0.5 million due to these changes. Excluding these items the effective tax rate for the year-to-date period was 37.6% and 38.3% for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 respectively.

Note 8

Stock-Based Compensation

Spartan Stores has two shareholder-approved stock incentive plans that provide for the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, and other stock-based awards to directors, officers and other key associates.

Spartan Stores accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718 which requires that share-based payment transactions be accounted for using a fair value method and the related compensation cost recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the period that an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Spartan Stores recognized stock-based compensation expense (net of tax) of $0.6 million ($0.03 per diluted share) in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 as a component of Operating expenses and Income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Stock-based compensation expense (net of tax) was $1.4 million ($0.06 per diluted share) and $1.3 million ($0.06 per diluted share) for the year-to-date period ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively.

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The following table summarizes activity in the share-based compensation plans for the year-to-date period ended September 15, 2012:

	Shares Under Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at March 31, 2012		703,129		$	18.43		580,893		$	16.48
Granted		—			—		213,900			17.79
Exercised/Vested		(15,275	)		8.02		(216,610	)		17.48
Cancelled/Forfeited		(18,108	)		17.10		(13,553	)		16.62
Outstanding at September 15, 2012		669,746		$	18.71		564,630		$	16.59
Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 15, 2012		668,283		$	18.72
Exercisable at September 15, 2012		634,508		$	18.98

There were no stock options granted during the second quarter ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011.

Due to certain events that are considered unusual and/or infrequent in nature, and that resulted in significant business changes during the limited historical exercise period, management does not believe that Spartan Stores’ historical exercise data will provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term of stock options. Therefore, the expected term of stock options granted is determined using the “simplified” method as described in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins that uses the following formula: ((vesting term + original contract term)/2).

As of September 15, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards granted under our stock incentive plans was $0.1 million for stock options and $7.6 million for restricted stock. The remaining compensation costs not yet recognized are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years for stock options and 2.7 years for restricted stock.

Note 9

Discontinued Operations

Results of the discontinued operations are excluded from the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted.

Note 10

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Non-cash financing activities include the issuance of restricted stock to employees and directors of $3.8 million and $3.6 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively. Non-cash investing activities include capital expenditures recorded in current liabilities of $1.3 million and $1.1 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company entered into capital lease agreements totaling $2.8 million.

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Note 11

Operating Segment Information

The following tables set forth information about Spartan Stores by operating segment:

(In thousands)	Distribution		Retail		Total
12 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	259,242	$	362,317	$	621,559
Inter-segment sales		155,658		—		155,658
Depreciation and amortization		1,972		6,833		8,805
Operating earnings		10,849		8,099		18,948
Capital expenditures		2,052		12,410		14,462
12 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	256,226	$	363,421	$	619,647
Inter-segment sales		153,618		—		153,618
Depreciation and amortization		1,976		6,432		8,408
Operating earnings		8,764		11,217		19,981
Capital expenditures		1,056		10,159		11,215
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	517,590	$	707,881	$	1,225,471
Inter-segment sales		305,282		—		305,282
Depreciation and amortization		3,931		13,544		17,475
Operating earnings		18,671		11,990		30,661
Capital expenditures		3,482		17,524		21,006
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	513,355	$	708,856	$	1,222,211
Inter-segment sales		304,055		—		304,055
Depreciation and amortization		3,889		12,886		16,775
Operating earnings		16,166		17,811		33,977
Capital expenditures		2,962		17,921		20,883

	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Total assets
Distribution	$	271,076	$	216,873
Retail		507,581		541,110
Discontinued operations		5,356		5,490
Total	$	784,013	$	763,473

The following table presents sales by type of similar product and services:

	12 Weeks Ended								24 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011				September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011
Non-perishables (1)		306,425	49	%	$	305,365	49	%	$	599,121	49	%	$	598,342	49	%
Perishables (2)		224,095	36			224,588	36			443,751	36			442,793	36
Pharmacy		47,866	8			48,397	8			97,627	8			98,107	8
Fuel		43,173	7			41,297	7			84,972	7			82,969	7
Consolidated Net sales	$	621,559	100	%	$	619,647	100	%	$	1,225,471	100	%	$	1,222,211	100	%

⁽¹⁾  Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods.

⁽²⁾  Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood.

Note 12

Company-Owned Life Insurance

The Company holds variable universal life insurance policies on certain key associates. The company-owned policies have annual premium payments of $0.8 million. The net cash surrender value of approximately $2.5 million and $1.6 million at September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively, is recorded on the balance sheet in Other Long-term Assets. These policies have an aggregate amount of life insurance coverage of approximately $15 million.

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Overview

Spartan Stores is a leading regional grocery distributor and grocery retailer, operating principally in Michigan and Indiana.

We operate two reportable business segments: Distribution and Retail. Our Distribution segment provides a full line of grocery, general merchandise, health and beauty care, frozen and perishable items to approximately 375 independently owned grocery locations and our 97 corporate owned stores. Our Retail segment operates 97 retail supermarkets in Michigan under the banners D&W Fresh Markets, Family Fare Supermarkets, Glen’s Markets, VG’s Food and Pharmacy and Valu Land. In addition our retail segment operates 29 fuel centers/convenience stores, generally adjacent to our supermarket locations. Our retail supermarkets have a “neighborhood market” focus to distinguish them from supercenters and our Valu Land stores are distinguished from competitor’s limited assortment stores by a focus on national brands and perishable offerings.

Our sales and operating performance vary with seasonality. Our first and fourth quarters are typically our lowest sales quarters and therefore operating results are generally lower during these two quarters. Additionally, these two quarters can be affected by the timing of the Easter holiday, which results in a strong sales period. Many northern Michigan stores are dependent on tourism, which is affected by the economic environment and seasonal weather patterns, including, but not limited to, the amount and timing of snowfall during the winter months and the range of temperature during the summer months. Typically all quarters are 12 weeks, except for our third quarter, which is 16 weeks and includes the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. However, fiscal year 2012 included a 53^rd week in the fourth quarter.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth items from our Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of net sales and the year-to-year percentage change in dollar amounts:

(Unaudited)	Percentage of Net Sales												Percentage Change
	12 Weeks Ended						24 Weeks Ended						12 Weeks Ended			24 Weeks Ended
	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 15, 2012
Net sales		100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			0.3			0.3
Gross margin		21.0			21.4			20.6			21.1			(1.9	)		(2.4	)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		17.9	**		18.2			18.1	**		18.3			(1.7	)		(1.5	)
Restructuring, asset impairment and other		0.1			(0.0	)		0.0			(0.0	)		*			*
Operating earnings		3.0			3.2			2.5			2.8			(5.2	)		(9.8	)
Other income and expenses		0.3	**		0.5			0.4			0.6	**		(29.1	)		(16.0	)
Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations		2.7			2.7			2.1			2.2			(0.3	)		(8.3	)
Income taxes		1.0			1.0			0.8	**		0.9			(2.2	)		(20.8	)
Earnings from continuing Operations		1.7			1.7			1.3			1.3			0.8			(0.2	)
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(0.0	)		(0.0	)		(0.0	)		(0.0	)		*			*
Net earnings		1.7			1.7			1.3			1.3			0.5			(0.2	)

* Percentage change is not meaningful

** Difference due to rounding

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Net Sales – Net sales for the quarter ended September 15, 2012 (“second quarter”) increased $1.9 million, or 0.3%, from $619.6 million in the quarter ended September 10, 2011 (“prior year second quarter”) to $621.6 million. Net sales for the year-to-date period ended September 15, 2012 (“current year-to-date”) increased $3.3 million, or 0.3%, from $1,222.2 million in the prior year-to-date period ended September 10, 2011 (“prior year-to-date”) to $1,225.5 million.

Net sales for the second quarter in our Retail segment decreased $1.1 million, or 0.3%, from $363.4 million in the prior year second quarter to $362.3 million. Net sales for the year-to-date period decreased $1.0 million, or 0.1%, from $708.9 million in the prior year-to-date period to $707.9 million. The second quarter decrease was primarily due to a decrease in comparable store sales of 1.0%, excluding fuel, partially offset by an increase in fuel center sales of $2.4 million. The year-to-date decrease was primarily due to a comparable sales decrease of 0.5% partially offset by an increase in fuel center sales of $3.1 million.

The comparable store sales decrease of 1.0% was due to an unfavorable calendar shift as an additional week of weaker fall season sales replace a stronger summer sales week, partially offset by the positive impact of store remodels and the YES Rewards promotional campaign. We define a retail store as comparable when it is in operation for 14 periods (a period is four weeks), and we include remodeled, expanded and relocated stores in comparable stores.

Net sales for the second quarter in our Distribution segment increased $3.0 million, or 1.2%, from $256.2 million in the prior year second quarter to $259.2 million. Net sales for the current year-to-date period increased $4.2 million, or 0.8%, from $513.4 million in the prior year-to-date period to $517.6 million. The second quarter increase was primarily due to new distribution customer business partially offset by a decline in pharmacy sales and lower sales to existing independent customers. The year-to-date increase was due to new distribution customer business of $8.6 million partially offset by lower sales to existing independent customers and lower pharmacy sales.

Gross Margin – Gross margin represents sales less cost of sales, which include purchase costs and promotional allowances. Vendor allowances that relate to our buying and merchandising activities consist primarily of promotional allowances, which are generally allowances on purchased quantities and, to a lesser extent, slotting allowances, which are billed to vendors for our merchandising costs, such as setting up warehouse infrastructure. Vendor allowances associated with product cost are recognized as a reduction in cost of sales when the product is sold. Lump sum payments received for multi-year contracts are amortized over the life of the contracts based on contractual terms.

Gross margin for the second quarter decreased $2.5 million, or 1.9%, from $132.7 million in the prior year second quarter to $130.2 million. As a percent of net sales, gross margin for the second quarter decreased to 21.0% from 21.4%. The decline in gross margin rate was due to reduced inflation-driven inventory gains in both the retail and distribution segments and investments associated with the second phase of our “Price Freeze” and “Yes Is Even More” promotional campaign in the retail segment, as well as, a higher mix of lower margin distribution and fuel sales. Gross margin for the year-to-date period decreased $6.2 million, or 2.4%, from $258.1 million in the prior year-to-date period to $251.9 million. As a percent of net sales, gross margin for the year-to-date period decreased to 20.6% from 21.1% for the reasons noted above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of salaries and wages, employee benefits, warehousing costs, store occupancy costs, shipping and handling, utilities, equipment rental, depreciation and other administrative costs.

SG&A expenses for the second quarter (excluding restructuring) decreased $2.0 million, or 1.7%, from $112.9 million in the prior year second quarter to $110.9 million. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses were 17.8% for the second quarter compared to 18.2% in the prior year second quarter. SG&A expenses (excluding restructuring) for the year-to-date period decreased $3.3 million, or 1.5%, from $224.2 million in the prior year-to-date period to $220.9 million. As a percent of net sales, operating expenses (excluding restructuring) were 18.0% for the current year-to-date period compared to 18.3% in the prior year-to-date period.

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The net decrease in second quarter SG&A expenses (excluding restructuring) was primarily due to the following:

• Decreased incentive compensation expense of $1.6 million.

• Decreased unusual corporate professional fees of $1.2 million.

• Decreased store labor of $0.4 million.

• Decreased workers compensation costs of $0.4 million.

• Increased depreciation and amortization of $0.4 million.

• Increased healthcare costs of $0.9 million.

• Increased various other expenses.

The net decrease in year-to-date SG&A expenses (excluding restructuring) was primarily due to the following:

• Decreased incentive compensation expense of $2.6 million.

• Decreased unusual corporate professional fees of $1.2 million.

• Decreased store labor of $0.8 million.

• Decreased workers compensation costs of $0.4 million.

• Increased supplies and marketing related expenses of 1.8 million.

• Increased healthcare costs of $0.9 million.

• Increased depreciation and amortization of $0.8 million.

• Decreased various other expenses due to continuing focus on containing costs.

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other – The second quarter charges of $0.4 million primarily relate to a single store that required impairment and the values in the Consolidated Balance Sheet were reduced. The asset impairment charges were recorded due to the local economic and competitive environment of this store and its impact on forecasted financial performance. The prior year second quarter restructuring benefit of $0.1 million related primarily to change in estimates made related to final settlements of expired leases and expenses related to two closed retail stores.

Interest Expense – Interest expense decreased $0.3 million, or 9.2%, from $3.4 million in the prior year second quarter to $3.1 million. For the year-to-date period, interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 6.4%, from $6.6 million to $6.2 million. The decrease in interest expense was due primarily to lower net borrowings.

Income Taxes – The effective tax rate was 37.5% and 38.2% for the second quarter and prior year second quarter, respectively. For the year-to-date period and prior year-to-date period the effective income tax rate was 34.7% and 40.2%. The difference from the statutory rate is the result of changes to the State of Michigan’s tax laws. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a $0.6 million net after-tax benefit and the first quarter of fiscal 2012 includes a net after-tax charge of $0.5 million due to these changes. Excluding these items the effective tax rate for the year-to-date period was 37.6% and 38.3% for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP operating financial measure that we define as net earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items including imputed interest, deferred (stock) compensation, the LIFO provision, as well as adjustments for unusual items that do not reflect the ongoing operating activities of the Company and costs associated with the closing of operational locations, interest expense and the provision for income taxes.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides a meaningful representation of our operating performance for the Company as a whole and for our operating segments. We consider Adjusted EBITDA as an additional way to measure operating performance on an ongoing basis. Adjusted EBITDA is meant to reflect the ongoing operating performance of all of our retail stores and wholesale operations; consequently, it excludes the impact of items that could be considered “non-operating” or “non-core” in nature, and also excludes the contributions of activities classified as discontinued operations. Because Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure that management uses

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to allocate resources, assess performance against its peers, and evaluate overall performance, we believe it provides useful information for our investors. In addition, securities analysts, fund managers and other shareholders and stakeholders that communicate with us request our operating financial results in Adjusted EBITDA format.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and should not be considered as a substitute for net earnings, cash flows from operating activities and other income or cash flow statement data. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Following is a reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA for quarters and year-to-date periods ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011.

(In thousands)	Second Quarter						Year-to-Date
	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
Net earnings	$	10,305		$	10,252		$	16,308		$	16,281
Add:
Discontinued operations		50			18			123			124
Income taxes		6,203			6,341			8,732			11,030
Interest expense		3,071			3,412			6,227			6,654
Non-operating expense		(681	)		(42	)		(729	)		(112	)
Operating earnings		18,948			19,981			30,661			33,977
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		8,805			8,408			17,475			16,775
LIFO expense		590			869			1,380			1,527
Restructuring and asset impairment costs		356			(135	)		356			(135	)
Other unusual items		—			1,194			—			1,194
Non-cash stock compensation and other charges		292			810			1,761			2,360
Adjusted EBITDA	$	28,991		$	31,127		$	51,633		$	55,698
Reconciliation of operating earnings to adjusted EBITDA by segment:
Retail:
Operating earnings	$	8,099		$	11,217		$	11,990		$	17,811
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		6,833			6,432			13,544			12,886
LIFO expense		424			526			848			964
Restructuring and asset impairment costs		356			(98	)		356			(98	)
Non-cash stock compensation and other charges		687			365			1,457			1,137
Adjusted EBITDA	$	16,399		$	18,442		$	28,195		$	32,700
Distribution:
Operating earnings	$	10,849		$	8,764		$	18,671		$	16,166
Add:
Depreciation and amortization		1,972			1,976			3,931			3,889
LIFO expense		166			343			532			563
Restructuring and asset impairment costs		—			(37	)		—			(37	)
Other unusual items		—			1,194			—			1,194
Non-cash stock compensation and other		(395	)		445			304			1,223
Adjusted EBITDA	$	12,592		$	12,685		$	23,438		$	22,998

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Discontinued Operations

Certain of our retail and grocery distribution operations have been recorded as discontinued operations. Results of the discontinued operations are excluded from the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes our consolidated statements of cash flows for the year-to-date second quarter and prior year-to-date second quarter:

(In thousands)	September 15, 2012			September 10, 2011
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	895		$	42,463
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(18,354	)		(21,439	)
Net cash (used in) financing activities		(1,561	)		(2,462	)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations		35			(306	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(18,985	)		18,256
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		26,476			43,824
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	7,491		$	62,080

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased from the prior year-to-date period primarily due to increased investment in inventory due predominantly to the shift in timing of our quarter end, the payment of fiscal year 2012 incentive compensation and profit sharing, $9.8 million first quarter tax payment related to the previously mentioned tax law change and $5.0 million in advanced payments to customers under new supply agreements. The $9.8 million first quarter tax payment related to the timing of tax basis income recognition and will reverse over the remainder of fiscal 2013.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased during the current year-to-date period primarily due to proceeds from the sale of assets. Our Retail and Distribution segments utilized 83.4% and 16.6% of our capital spending, respectively in fiscal 2013 and 85.8% and 12.2% in fiscal 2012, respectively. Expenditures during the current fiscal year were primarily related to two store remodels and payments on the construction of 3 new stores. We expect capital and real estate development expenditures to range from $42.0 million to $44.0 million for fiscal 2013.

Net cash used in financing activities includes proceeds from the issuance of common stock, stock repurchases, tax benefits of stock compensation, dividends paid, financing fees and net change in our long-term borrowings. Payments on other long-term borrowings were $1.8 million and financing fees paid were $1.3 million in the current year-to-date period, partially offset by net proceeds from revolver borrowings of $14.2 million. In the prior year-to-date period, net other long-term repayments totaled $1.9 million partially offset by net proceeds from revolver borrowings of $0.1 million. The company repurchased approximately 634,000 shares of its common stock in the current year-to-date period for a total expenditure of $11.4 million. Cash dividends of $1.7 million were paid in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2013 versus $1.5 million in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2012. This increase was due to a 23% increase in dividends from $0.065 per share to $0.08 per share that was approved by the Board of Directors and announced on May 15, 2012. Although we expect to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend, adoption of a dividend policy does not commit the Board of Directors to declare future dividends. Each future dividend will be considered and declared by the Board of Directors at its discretion. Whether the Board of Directors continues to declare dividends and repurchase shares depends on a number of factors, including our future financial condition and profitability and compliance with the terms of our credit facilities. Our current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations at September 15, 2012 are $4.2 million. Our ability to borrow additional funds is governed by the terms of our credit facilities.

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Net cash used in discontinued operations includes the net cash flows of our discontinued operations and consists primarily of the payment of store asset impairment costs and other liabilities partially offset by sublease income.

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and our senior secured revolving credit facility. Interest on our convertible senior notes is payable on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The revolving credit facility matures December 2017, and is secured by substantially all of our assets. As of September 15, 2012, our senior secured revolving credit facility had outstanding borrowings of $14.2 million and additional available borrowings of $165.3 million, which exceeds the minimum excess availability levels, as defined in the credit agreement. We believe that cash generated from operating activities and available borrowings under the credit facility will be sufficient to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, dividend payments, and debt service obligations for the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that Spartan Stores’ business will continue to generate cash flow at or above current levels or that we will maintain our ability to borrow under our credit facility.

On January 9, 2012, Spartan Stores announced the early termination of its interest rate swap agreement. The Company repaid the balance on its credit facility and swap termination fee from available cash.

Our current ratio increased to 1.23:1.00 at September 15, 2012 from 1.13:1.00 at March 31, 2012 and our investment in working capital increased to $41.5 million at September 15, 2012 from $24.7 million at March 31, 2012 principally due to inventory investment and prepaid taxes.

Our total net long-term debt (including current maturities and capital lease obligations net of cash and cash equivalents) to total capital ratio at September 15, 2012 was 0.31:1.00 versus 0.26:1.00 at March 31, 2012 and our debt to capital ratio at September 10, 2011 was 0.32:1.00 versus 0.30:1.00 at March 26 2011. Total net long-term debt is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined as long-term debt and capital lease obligations plus current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations less cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes investors find the information useful because it reflects the amount of long term debt obligations that are not covered by available cash and temporary investments.

Following is a reconciliation of long-term debt and capital lease obligations to total net long-term debt and capital lease obligations as of September 15, 2012 and March 31, 2012.

(In thousands)	September 15, 2012			March 31, 2012
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	4,185		$	4,449
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		150,789			133,565
Total Debt		154,974			138,014
Cash and cash equivalents		(7,491	)		(26,476	)
Total net long-term debt	$	147,483		$	111,538

For information on contractual obligations, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012. At September 15, 2012, there have been no material changes to our significant contractual obligations outside the ordinary course of business.

Indebtedness and Liabilities of Subsidiaries

On May 30, 2007, the Company sold $110 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”). The Notes are general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future obligations that are unsecured and unsubordinated. Because the Notes are unsecured, they are structurally subordinated to our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities and any preferred equity issued by our subsidiaries. We rely in part on distributions and advances from our subsidiaries in order to meet our payment obligations under the notes and our

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other obligations. The Notes are not guaranteed by our subsidiaries. Many of our subsidiaries serve as guarantors with respect to our existing credit facility. Creditors of each of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, and preferred equity holders, generally have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiary over the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes. The Notes, therefore, are effectively subordinated to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors, judgment creditors and equity holders of our subsidiaries. In addition, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the notes, to participate in the assets of a subsidiary during its liquidation or reorganization are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and preferred equity of that subsidiary. The Notes are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness and to existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries (including subsidiary guarantees of our senior credit facility).

The following table shows the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries as of September 15, 2012:

Spartan Stores Subsidiaries Only

(In thousands)

	September 15, 2012
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	126,936
Accrued payroll and benefits		27,139
Other accrued expenses		14,252
Current portion of restructuring costs		3,271
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		4,185
Total current liabilities		175,783
Long-term Liabilities
Postretirement benefits		12,558
Other long-term liabilities		13,285
Restructuring costs		6,313
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		45,982
Total long-term liabilities		78,138
Total Subsidiary Liabilities		253,921
Operating Leases		116,175
Total Subsidiary Liabilities and Operating Leases	$	370,096

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 3.92:1.00 and 3.78:1.00 for the current year second quarter and prior year second quarter, respectively, and 3.20:1.00 and 3.33:1.00 for the year-to-date and prior year-to-date periods, respectively. For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of pretax earnings from continuing operations plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest). Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized, the interest component of rental expense and amortization of debt issue costs, whether expensed or capitalized.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had letters of credit totaling $0.6 million outstanding and unused at September 15, 2012. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support payment or deposit obligations. We pay a commission of approximately 2% on the face amount of the letters of credit.

-21-

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, assets held for sale, long-lived assets, income taxes, self-insurance reserves, restructuring and asset impairment costs, retirement benefits, stock-based compensation and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions and factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Based on our ongoing review, we make adjustments we consider appropriate under the facts and circumstances. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared using the same critical accounting policies discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risk of Spartan Stores from the information provided under Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk”, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Spartan Stores’ disclosure controls and procedures (as currently defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed as of September 15, 2012 (the “Evaluation Date”). This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of Spartan Stores’ management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Spartan Stores’ management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that Spartan Stores’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the Evaluation Date to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. During the last fiscal quarter there was no change in Spartan Stores’ internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Spartan Stores’ internal control over financial reporting.

-22-

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of its own common stock during the second quarter. On May 17, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized a five-year share repurchase program for up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company repurchased 30,000 shares of common stock under this program during the quarter ended September 15, 2012. All employee transactions are with associates under stock compensation plans. These may include: (1) shares of Spartan Stores, Inc. common stock delivered in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by holders of employee stock options who exercised options, and (2) shares submitted for cancellation to satisfy tax withholding obligations that occur upon the vesting of the restricted shares. The value of the shares delivered or withheld is determined by the applicable stock compensation plan.

Spartan Stores, Inc. Purchases of Equity Securities

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs or Plans		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs
							(In thousands)
June 24 – July 21, 2012
Employee Transactions		—	$	—
Repurchase Program (1)		30,000	$	17.51		30,000	$	26,269
July 22 – August 18, 2012
Employee Transactions		—	$	—
Repurchase Program (1)		—	$	—		—	$	26,269
August 19 – September 15, 2012
Employee Transactions		—	$	—
Repurchase Program (1)		—	$	—		—	$	26,269
Total for Second Quarter ended September 15, 2012		30,000	$	17.51		30,000	$	26,269

(1) On May 17, 2011 the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan of up to $50 million. The plan expires on May 18, 2016.

-23-

ITEM 6. Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Exhibit Number	Document
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
3.2	Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc., as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*

* Pursuant to Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

-24-

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	SPARTAN STORES, INC. (Registrant)
Date: October 25, 2012	By	/s/ David M. Staples
		David M. Staples Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and duly authorized to sign for Registrant)

-25-

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Document
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Spartan Stores, Inc. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
3.2	Bylaws of Spartan Stores, Inc., as amended. Previously filed as an exhibit to Spartan Stores’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 10, 2011. Here incorporated by reference.
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*

* Pursuant to Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Dennis Eidson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Spartan Stores, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 25, 2012	/s/ Dennis Eidson
	Dennis Eidson President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, David M. Staples, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Spartan Stores, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 25, 2012	/s/ David M. Staples
	David M. Staples Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of Spartan Stores, Inc. (the “Company”) that the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the accounting period ended September 15, 2012 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company at the end of such period and the results of operations of the Company for such period.

This Certificate is given pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 and for no other purpose.

Dated: October 25, 2012	/s/ Dennis Eidson
	Dennis Eidson
	President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: October 25, 2012	/s/ David M. Staples
	David M. Staples
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Spartan Stores, Inc. and will be retained by Spartan Stores, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Restricted stock issuance	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,600,000
Capital expenditures recorded in current liabilities	1,300,000	1,100,000
capital lease agreements totaling	$ 2,800,000

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Contribution by the employer to the Rehabilitation Plan	5.00%

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Summary of share-based compensation activity

	Shares Under Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at March 31, 2012		703,129		$	18.43		580,893		$	16.48
Granted		—			—		213,900			17.79
Exercised/Vested		(15,275	)		8.02		(216,610	)		17.48
Cancelled/Forfeited		(18,108	)		17.10		(13,553	)		16.62
Outstanding at September 15, 2012		669,746		$	18.71		564,630		$	16.59
Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 15, 2012		668,283		$	18.72
Exercisable at September 15, 2012		634,508		$	18.98

XML

Company-Owned Life Insurance (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Company Owned Life Insurance (Textual) [Abstract]
Annual premium payment	$ 0.8
Cash surrender value of life insurance	2.5	1.6
Aggregate amount of life insurance coverage	$ 15

XML

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Activity
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Beginning balance			703,129
Shares Under Options, Granted	0	0
Shares Under Options, Exercised/Vested			(15,275)
Shares Under Options, Cancelled/Forfeited			(18,108)
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Ending balance	669,746		669,746
Shares Under Options, Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 15, 2012	668,283		668,283
Shares Under Options, Exercisable	634,508		634,508
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance			$ 18.43
Shares Under Options, Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Shares Under Options, Exercised/Vested, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 8.02
Shares Under Options, Cancelled/Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 17.10
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$ 18.71		$ 18.71
Shares Under Options, Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 15, 2012	$ 18.72		$ 18.72
Shares Under Options, Exercisable, Weighted average exercise price	$ 18.98		$ 18.98
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Beginning balance			580,893
Restricted Stock Awards, Granted			213,900
Restricted Stock Awards, Exercised Vested			(216,610)
Restricted Stock Awards, Cancelled/Forfeited			(13,553)
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Ending balance	564,630		564,630
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance			$ 16.48
Restricted Stock Awards, Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value			$ 17.79
Restricted Stock Awards, Exercised Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value			$ 17.48
Restricted Stock Awards, Cancelled/Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value			$ 16.62
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$ 16.59		$ 16.59

XML

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Spartan Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Spartan Stores”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Spartan Stores as of September 15, 2012, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

XML

Restructuring Asset Impairment and Other (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Restructuring Asset Impairment and Other (Textual) [Abstract]
Reduction in goodwill	$ 0.4

XML

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Costs
Balance at March 31, 2012	$ 11,102
Changes in estimates	(435)
Payments, net of interest accretion	(1,083)
Balance at Sep 15, 2012	$ 9,584

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 15, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Estimated Fair Value and the Book Value of Debt Instruments
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 4,185	$ 4,449
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	150,789	133,565
Equity component of convertible debt	7,091	8,884
Total book value of debt instruments	162,065	146,898
Fair value of debt instruments	160,935	144,374
Excess of book value over fair value	$ 1,130	$ 2,524

XML

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 10, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Summary of financial statement effect of interest rate cash flow hedge
Loss, net of taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income	$ (103)	$ (35)
Interest Expense [Member]
Summary of financial statement effect of interest rate cash flow hedge
Pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 217	$ 358

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 16,308	$ 16,281
Loss from discontinued operations	123	124
Earnings from continuing operations	16,431	16,405
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-cash restructuring, asset impairment and other	356	(135)
Non-cash convertible debt interest	1,794	1,658
Depreciation and amortization	17,564	16,764
LIFO expense	1,380	1,527
Postretirement benefits expense	348	463
Deferred taxes on income	6,443	11,771
Stock-based compensation expense	2,282	2,680
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	(240)	(92)
Other	(632)	67
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,188)	(3,672)
Inventories	(37,634)	(19,000)
Prepaid expenses	(4,124)	(3,532)
Other assets	2,790	132
Accounts payable	21,573	30,129
Accrued payroll and benefits	(10,210)	(6,268)
Postretirement benefits payments	(508)	(187)
Accrued income taxes	(9,763)
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities	(5,767)	(6,247)
Net cash provided by operating activities	895	42,463
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(21,006)	(20,883)
Net proceeds from the sale of assets	2,376	23
Other	276	(579)
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(18,354)	(21,439)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	181,975	324
Payments on revolving credit facility	(167,817)	(196)
Share repurchase	(11,381)
Repayment of other long-term borrowings	(1,815)	(1,949)
Financing fees paid	(1,260)
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	240	92
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	177	750
Dividends paid	(1,680)	(1,483)
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(1,561)	(2,462)
Cash flows from discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	35	(306)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations	35	(306)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(18,985)	18,256
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	26,476	43,824
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 7,491	$ 62,080

XML

Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash flow hedge at fair value	$ 45.0
Fixed interest rate paid	3.33%
Interest in addition to LIBOR	1.25%
Notional amount of cash flow hedge	$ 45
Interest rate swap expiration date	Dec. 24, 2012

XML

Operating Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012
Schedule of segment reporting information by operating segment
Net sales	$ 621,559	$ 619,647	$ 1,225,471	$ 1,222,211
Inter-segment sales	155,658	153,618	305,282	304,055
Depreciation and amortization	8,805	8,408	17,475	16,775
Operating earnings	18,948	19,981	30,661	33,977
Capital expenditures	14,462	11,215	21,006	20,883
Total assets	784,013		784,013		763,473
Distribution [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information by operating segment
Net sales	259,242	256,226	517,590	513,355
Inter-segment sales	155,658	153,618	305,282	304,055
Depreciation and amortization	1,972	1,976	3,931	3,889
Operating earnings	10,849	8,764	18,671	16,166
Capital expenditures	2,052	1,056	3,482	2,962
Total assets	271,076		271,076		216,873
Retail [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information by operating segment
Net sales	362,317	363,421	707,881	708,856
Inter-segment sales
Depreciation and amortization	6,833	6,432	13,544	12,886
Operating earnings	8,099	11,217	11,990	17,811
Capital expenditures	12,410	10,159	17,524	17,921
Total assets	507,581		507,581		541,110
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Schedule of segment reporting information by operating segment
Total assets	$ 5,356		$ 5,356		$ 5,490

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 15, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,491	$ 26,476
Accounts receivable, net	59,719	58,637
Inventories, net	136,032	99,778
Prepaid expenses	10,606	9,478
Other current assets	10,896	13,686
Deferred taxes on income		1,582
Property held for sale	710
Total current assets	225,454	209,637
Goodwill	239,834	240,194
Property and equipment, net	261,552	256,776
Other, net	57,173	56,866
Total assets	784,013	763,473
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	128,803	107,703
Accrued payroll and benefits	30,089	39,366
Accrued income taxes		12,352
Other accrued expenses	17,611	17,611
Current portion of restructuring costs	3,271	3,472
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,185	4,449
Total current liabilities	183,959	184,953
Long-term liabilities
Deferred taxes on income	87,805	83,807
Postretirement benefits	13,521	13,618
Other long-term liabilities	14,975	16,292
Restructuring costs	6,313	7,630
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	150,789	133,565
Total long-term liabilities	273,403	254,912
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, voting, no par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 21,754 and 22,215 shares outstanding	145,289	155,134
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(13,793)	(13,793)
Retained earnings	195,155	182,267
Total shareholders' equity	326,651	323,608
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 784,013	$ 763,473

XML

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings
Balance, value at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 323,608	$ 155,134	$ (13,793)	$ 182,267
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2012	22,215	22,215,000
Comprehensive income/loss, net of tax:
Net earnings	16,308			16,308
Dividends - $0.16 per share	(3,420)			(3,420)
Share repurchase	(11,381)	(11,381)
Share repurchase, Shares		(634,000)
Stock-based employee compensation	2,282	2,282
Issuances of common stock and related tax benefits on stock option exercises, value	215	215
Issuances of common stock and related tax benefits on stock option exercises, shares		17,000
Issuances of restricted stock and related income tax benefits, value	35	35
Issuances of restricted stock and related income tax benefits, shares		225,000
Cancellations of restricted stock, value	(996)	(996)
Cancellations of restricted stock, shares		(69,000)
Balance, value at Sep. 15, 2012	$ 326,651	$ 145,289	$ (13,793)	$ 195,155
Balance, shares at Sep. 15, 2012	21,754

XML

Associate Retirement Plans (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Associate Retirement Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Standard pension funding carryover	$ 0.3
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution as a percentage of total contributions	1.00%
Pension contributions during last plan year	$ 8.2
Maximum company contribution as percentage of total employer contributions	5.00%

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of estimated fair value and book value of debt instruments

(In thousands)	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Book value of debt instruments:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	4,185	$	4,449
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		150,789		133,565
Equity component of convertible debt		7,091		8,884
Total book value of debt instruments		162,065		146,898
Fair value of debt instruments		160,935		144,374
Excess of book value over fair value	$	1,130	$	2,524

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Taxes on Income (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Taxes on Income (Textual) [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	37.50%	38.20%	34.70%	40.20%
Non-cash income tax charge	$ 0.6	$ 0.5
Effective income tax rate Excluding the effective tax rate on one-time benefit			37.60%	38.30%

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Associate Retirement Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Associate Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs

	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
12 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	45		$	44
Interest cost		597			668			10		12		93			98
Expected return on plan assets		(1,038	)		(942	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(12	)		(12	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		295			382			7		9		31			28
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(146	)	$	108		$	17	$	21	$	157		$	160

	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
24 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	90		$	88
Interest cost		1,194			1,336			20		24		186			196
Expected return on plan assets		(2,076	)		(1,884	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(25	)		(25	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		590			764			15		18		63			61
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(292	)	$	216		$	35	$	42	$	314		$	320

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Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per share	$ 0.16

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 15, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,754	22,215
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

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Discontinued Operations

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

Note 9

Discontinued Operations

Results of the discontinued operations are excluded from the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted.

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Oct. 22, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SPARTAN STORES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000877422
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 15, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,754,626

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Note 10

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Non-cash financing activities include the issuance of restricted stock to employees and directors of $3.8 million and $3.6 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively. Non-cash investing activities include capital expenditures recorded in current liabilities of $1.3 million and $1.1 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company entered into capital lease agreements totaling $2.8 million.

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012		Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012		Sep. 10, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 621,559		$ 619,647	$ 1,225,471		$ 1,222,211
Cost of sales	491,333		486,910	973,525		964,137
Gross margin	130,226		132,737	251,946		258,074
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative	110,922		112,891	220,929		224,232
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	356		(135)	356		(135)
Total operating expenses	111,278		112,756	221,285		224,097
Operating earnings	18,948		19,981	30,661		33,977
Other income and expenses
Interest expense	3,071		3,412	6,227		6,654
Other, net	(681)		(42)	(729)		(112)
Total other income and expenses	2,390		3,370	5,498		6,542
Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations	16,558		16,611	25,163		27,435
Income taxes	6,203		6,341	8,732		11,030
Earnings from continuing operations	10,355		10,270	16,431		16,405
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(50)		(18)	(123)		(124)
Net earnings	$ 10,305		$ 10,252	$ 16,308		$ 16,281
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.48		$ 0.45	$ 0.75		$ 0.72
Loss from discontinued operations	$ (0.01)	[1]			[1]	$ (0.01)
Net earnings	$ 0.47		$ 0.45	$ 0.75		$ 0.71
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 0.47		$ 0.45	$ 0.75		$ 0.72
Loss from discontinued operations					[1]	$ (0.01)
Net earnings	$ 0.47		$ 0.45	$ 0.75		$ 0.71
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	21,747		22,862	21,800		22,777
Diluted	21,824		22,962	21,880		22,872

[1] Includes Rounding

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Derivative Instruments

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

Note 4

Derivative Instruments

Spartan Stores had limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and used them only to manage well-defined interest rate risk exposure when appropriate, based on market conditions. Spartan Stores’ objective in managing exposure to changes in interest rates is to reduce fluctuations in earnings and cash flows, and consequently, from time to time Spartan Stores uses interest rate swap agreements to manage this risk. Spartan Stores does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

On January 2, 2009, Spartan Stores entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap was considered to be a cash flow hedge of interest payments on $45.0 million of borrowings under Spartan Stores’ senior secured revolving credit facility by effectively converting a portion of the variable rate debt to a fixed rate basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Spartan Stores agreed to pay the counterparty a fixed interest rate of 3.33% and the counterparty has agreed to pay Spartan Stores a floating interest rate based upon the 1-month LIBOR plus 1.25% on a notional amount of $45 million. The interest rate swap agreement was to expire concurrently with its senior secured revolving credit facility on December 24, 2012. However, the swap agreement was terminated in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

The following table provides a summary of the financial statement effect of the derivative financial instrument designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge for the quarter ended and year-to-date period ended September 10, 2011. No derivatives were outstanding in fiscal 2013:

(In thousands)	Location in Consolidated Financial Statements	12 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011			24 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011
Loss, net of taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$	(103	)	$	(35	)
Pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	Interest expense		217			358

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note 3

Fair Value Measurements

Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. At September 15, 2012 and March 31, 2012 the estimated fair value and the book value of our debt instruments were as follows:

(In thousands)	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Book value of debt instruments:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	4,185	$	4,449
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		150,789		133,565
Equity component of convertible debt		7,091		8,884
Total book value of debt instruments		162,065		146,898
Fair value of debt instruments		160,935		144,374
Excess of book value over fair value	$	1,130	$	2,524

The estimated fair value of debt is based on market quotes for instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities (level 2 valuation techniques described below).

ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

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Derivative Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Summary of financial statement effect of interest rate cash flow hedge

(In thousands)	Location in Consolidated Financial Statements	12 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011			24 Weeks Ended September  10, 2011
Loss, net of taxes, recognized in other comprehensive income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$	(103	)	$	(35	)
Pre-tax loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	Interest expense		217			358

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Operating Segment Information

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Operating Segment Information [Abstract]

Operating Segment Information

Note 11

Operating Segment Information

The following tables set forth information about Spartan Stores by operating segment:

(In thousands)	Distribution		Retail		Total
12 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	259,242	$	362,317	$	621,559
Inter-segment sales		155,658		—		155,658
Depreciation and amortization		1,972		6,833		8,805
Operating earnings		10,849		8,099		18,948
Capital expenditures		2,052		12,410		14,462
12 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	256,226	$	363,421	$	619,647
Inter-segment sales		153,618		—		153,618
Depreciation and amortization		1,976		6,432		8,408
Operating earnings		8,764		11,217		19,981
Capital expenditures		1,056		10,159		11,215
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	517,590	$	707,881	$	1,225,471
Inter-segment sales		305,282		—		305,282
Depreciation and amortization		3,931		13,544		17,475
Operating earnings		18,671		11,990		30,661
Capital expenditures		3,482		17,524		21,006
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	513,355	$	708,856	$	1,222,211
Inter-segment sales		304,055		—		304,055
Depreciation and amortization		3,889		12,886		16,775
Operating earnings		16,166		17,811		33,977
Capital expenditures		2,962		17,921		20,883

	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Total assets
Distribution	$	271,076	$	216,873
Retail		507,581		541,110
Discontinued operations		5,356		5,490
Total	$	784,013	$	763,473

The following table presents sales by type of similar product and services:

	12 Weeks Ended								24 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011				September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011
Non-perishables (1)		306,425	49	%	$	305,365	49	%	$	599,121	49	%	$	598,342	49	%
Perishables (2)		224,095	36			224,588	36			443,751	36			442,793	36
Pharmacy		47,866	8			48,397	8			97,627	8			98,107	8
Fuel		43,173	7			41,297	7			84,972	7			82,969	7
Consolidated Net sales	$	621,559	100	%	$	619,647	100	%	$	1,225,471	100	%	$	1,222,211	100	%

⁽¹⁾  Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods.

⁽²⁾  Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood.

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Taxes on Income

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Taxes on Income [Abstract]

Taxes on Income

Note 7

Taxes on Income

The effective tax rate was 37.5% and 38.2% for this year’s second quarter and the prior year’s second quarter, respectively. For the year-to-date period and prior year-to-date period the effective income tax rate was 34.7% and 40.2% respectively. The difference from the statutory rate for the year-to-date periods is primarily the result of changes to the state of Michigan tax laws. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a $0.6 million net after-tax benefit and the first quarter of fiscal 2012 includes a net after-tax charge of $0.5 million due to these changes. Excluding these items the effective tax rate for the year-to-date period was 37.6% and 38.3% for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 respectively.

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Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 5

Commitments and Contingencies

Various lawsuits and claims, arising in the ordinary course of business, are pending or have been asserted against Spartan Stores. While the ultimate effect of such actions cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that their outcome will not result in a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity of Spartan Stores.

Spartan Stores contributes to the Central States multi-employer pension plan based on obligations arising from its collective bargaining agreement covering its warehouse union associates. This plan provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Trustees are appointed by employers and unions; however, Spartan Stores is not a trustee. The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plan

Based on the most recent information available to Spartan Stores, we believe that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in this multi-employer plan significantly exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Because we are one of a number of employers contributing to this plan, it is difficult to ascertain what the exact amount of the underfunding would be, although we anticipate that our contributions to this plan will increase each year. Spartan believes that funding levels have not changed significantly since year-end. To reduce this under funding we expect meaningful increases in expense as a result of required incremental multi-employer pension plan contributions over the years. Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably determined.

On October 6, 2012 General Teamsters Union Local 406 ratified a three-year labor agreement which expires on October 10, 2015. Spartan Stores will continue contributions to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund under the terms outlined in the “Primary Schedule” of Central States’ Rehabilitation Plan. This schedule requires an increase in employer contributions of 5% over the previous year’s contribution.

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Associate Retirement Plans

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Associate Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Associate Retirement Plans

Note 6

Associate Retirement Plans

The following table provides the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for the second quarter ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011:

	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
12 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	45		$	44
Interest cost		597			668			10		12		93			98
Expected return on plan assets		(1,038	)		(942	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(12	)		(12	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		295			382			7		9		31			28
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(146	)	$	108		$	17	$	21	$	157		$	160

	Pension Benefits						SERP Benefits				Postretirement Benefits
(In thousands)	Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011			Sept. 15, 2012		Sept. 10, 2011		Sept. 15, 2012			Sept. 10, 2011
24 Weeks Ended
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	90		$	88
Interest cost		1,194			1,336			20		24		186			196
Expected return on plan assets		(2,076	)		(1,884	)		—		—		—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			—		—		(25	)		(25	)
Recognized actuarial net loss		590			764			15		18		63			61
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$	(292	)	$	216		$	35	$	42	$	314		$	320

As of September 15, 2012, pension contributions of approximately $0.3 million have been made. Spartan Stores will assess the prudence of making voluntary contributions to the plan during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. No further contribution payments are required to be made in fiscal 2013 to meet the minimum pension funding requirements.

As previously stated in Note 5, Spartan Stores contributes to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (“Fund”) (EIN 7456500) at a pro rata fraction of 1% of total contributions. Spartan Store’s employer contributions during the last plan year totaled $8.2 million, which Fund administrators represent as less than 5% of total employer contributions to the Fund.

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Stock-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Note 8

Stock-Based Compensation

Spartan Stores has two shareholder-approved stock incentive plans that provide for the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, and other stock-based awards to directors, officers and other key associates.

Spartan Stores accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718 which requires that share-based payment transactions be accounted for using a fair value method and the related compensation cost recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the period that an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. Spartan Stores recognized stock-based compensation expense (net of tax) of $0.6 million ($0.03 per diluted share) in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 as a component of Operating expenses and Income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Stock-based compensation expense (net of tax) was $1.4 million ($0.06 per diluted share) and $1.3 million ($0.06 per diluted share) for the year-to-date period ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively.

The following table summarizes activity in the share-based compensation plans for the year-to-date period ended September 15, 2012:

	Shares Under Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at March 31, 2012		703,129		$	18.43		580,893		$	16.48
Granted		—			—		213,900			17.79
Exercised/Vested		(15,275	)		8.02		(216,610	)		17.48
Cancelled/Forfeited		(18,108	)		17.10		(13,553	)		16.62
Outstanding at September 15, 2012		669,746		$	18.71		564,630		$	16.59
Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 15, 2012		668,283		$	18.72
Exercisable at September 15, 2012		634,508		$	18.98

There were no stock options granted during the second quarter ended September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011.

Due to certain events that are considered unusual and/or infrequent in nature, and that resulted in significant business changes during the limited historical exercise period, management does not believe that Spartan Stores’ historical exercise data will provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term of stock options. Therefore, the expected term of stock options granted is determined using the “simplified” method as described in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins that uses the following formula: ((vesting term + original contract term)/2).

As of September 15, 2012, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards granted under our stock incentive plans was $0.1 million for stock options and $7.6 million for restricted stock. The remaining compensation costs not yet recognized are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years for stock options and 2.7 years for restricted stock.

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Associate Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs
Service cost
Interest cost	597	668	1,194	1,336
Expected return on plan assets	(1,038)	(942)	(2,076)	(1,884)
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized actuarial net loss	295	382	590	764
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	(146)	108	(292)	216
SERP Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs
Service cost
Interest cost	10	12	20	24
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized actuarial net loss	7	9	15	18
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	17	21	35	42
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs
Service cost	45	44	90	88
Interest cost	93	98	186	196
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost	(12)	(12)	(25)	(25)
Recognized actuarial net loss	31	28	63	61
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	$ 157	$ 160	$ 314	$ 320

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Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other [Abstract]

Schedule of restructuring, asset impairment and other

(In thousands)	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	—		$	356		$	356
	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	(37	)	$	(98	)	$	(135	)

Schedule of activity of restructuring costs

(In thousands)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	11,102
Changes in estimates		(435	)(a)
Payments, net of interest accretion		(1,083	)
Balance at September 15, 2012	$	9,584

(a) Goodwill was reduced by $0.4 million in year-to-date fiscal 2013 as a result of these changes in estimates as the initial charges for certain stores were established in the purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions.

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Operating Segment Information (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Operating Segment Information [Abstract]

Schedule of segment reporting information, by operating segment

(In thousands)	Distribution		Retail		Total
12 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	259,242	$	362,317	$	621,559
Inter-segment sales		155,658		—		155,658
Depreciation and amortization		1,972		6,833		8,805
Operating earnings		10,849		8,099		18,948
Capital expenditures		2,052		12,410		14,462
12 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	256,226	$	363,421	$	619,647
Inter-segment sales		153,618		—		153,618
Depreciation and amortization		1,976		6,432		8,408
Operating earnings		8,764		11,217		19,981
Capital expenditures		1,056		10,159		11,215
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Net sales	$	517,590	$	707,881	$	1,225,471
Inter-segment sales		305,282		—		305,282
Depreciation and amortization		3,931		13,544		17,475
Operating earnings		18,671		11,990		30,661
Capital expenditures		3,482		17,524		21,006
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Net sales	$	513,355	$	708,856	$	1,222,211
Inter-segment sales		304,055		—		304,055
Depreciation and amortization		3,889		12,886		16,775
Operating earnings		16,166		17,811		33,977
Capital expenditures		2,962		17,921		20,883

	September 15, 2012		March 31, 2012
Total assets
Distribution	$	271,076	$	216,873
Retail		507,581		541,110
Discontinued operations		5,356		5,490
Total	$	784,013	$	763,473

Summary of sales by type of similar products and services

	12 Weeks Ended								24 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011				September 15, 2012				September 10, 2011
Non-perishables (1)		306,425	49	%	$	305,365	49	%	$	599,121	49	%	$	598,342	49	%
Perishables (2)		224,095	36			224,588	36			443,751	36			442,793	36
Pharmacy		47,866	8			48,397	8			97,627	8			98,107	8
Fuel		43,173	7			41,297	7			84,972	7			82,969	7
Consolidated Net sales	$	621,559	100	%	$	619,647	100	%	$	1,225,471	100	%	$	1,222,211	100	%

⁽¹⁾  Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods.

⁽²⁾  Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood.

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Operating Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012		Sep. 10, 2011		Sep. 15, 2012		Sep. 10, 2011
Summary of sales by type of similar products and services
Consolidated net sales	$ 621,559		$ 619,647		$ 1,225,471		$ 1,222,211
Percentage of consolidated net sales	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Non-Perishables [Member]
Summary of sales by type of similar products and services
Consolidated net sales	306,425	[1]	305,365	[1]	599,121	[1]	598,342	[1]
Percentage of consolidated net sales	49.00%	[1]	49.00%	[1]	49.00%	[1]	49.00%	[1]
Perishables [Member]
Summary of sales by type of similar products and services
Consolidated net sales	224,095	[2]	224,588	[2]	443,751	[2]	442,793	[2]
Percentage of consolidated net sales	36.00%	[2]	36.00%	[2]	36.00%	[2]	36.00%	[2]
Pharmacy [Member]
Summary of sales by type of similar products and services
Consolidated net sales	47,866		48,397		97,627		98,107
Percentage of consolidated net sales	8.00%		8.00%		8.00%		8.00%
Fuel [Member]
Summary of sales by type of similar products and services
Consolidated net sales	$ 43,173		$ 41,297		$ 84,972		$ 82,969
Percentage of consolidated net sales	7.00%		7.00%		7.00%		7.00%

[1] Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods

[2] Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 10,305	$ 10,252	$ 16,308	$ 16,281
Other comprehensive income, before tax
Change in fair value of interest rate swap		169		58
Total other comprehensive income / (loss), before tax		169		58
Income tax related to items of other comprehensive income		(66)		(23)
Comprehensive Income	$ 10,305	$ 10,355	$ 16,308	$ 16,316

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Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other [Abstract]

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other

Note 2

Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other

Restructuring, asset impairment and other included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 15, 2012
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	—		$	356		$	356
	Distribution			Retail			Total
24 Weeks Ended September 10, 2011
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$	(37	)	$	(98	)	$	(135	)

The following table provides the activity of restructuring costs for the 24 weeks ended September 15, 2012. Restructuring costs recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are included in “Current portion of restructuring costs” in Current liabilities and “Restructuring costs” in Long-term liabilities based on when the obligations are expected to be paid.

(In thousands)
Balance at March 31, 2012	$	11,102
Changes in estimates		(435	)(a)
Payments, net of interest accretion		(1,083	)
Balance at September 15, 2012	$	9,584

(a) Goodwill was reduced by $0.4 million in year-to-date fiscal 2013 as a result of these changes in estimates as the initial charges for certain stores were established in the purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions.

Included in the liability are lease obligations recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments, calculated using a risk-free interest rate, and related ancillary costs from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated sublease income.

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Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Schedule of restructuring, asset impairment and other
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	$ 356	$ (135)	$ 356	$ (135)
Distribution [Member]
Schedule of restructuring, asset impairment and other
Restructuring, asset impairment and other				(37)
Retail [Member]
Schedule of restructuring, asset impairment and other
Restructuring, asset impairment and other			$ 356	$ (98)

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Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011	Sep. 15, 2012	Sep. 10, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$ 0.6	$ 1.4	$ 1.3	$ 1.3
Stock-based compensation expense per diluted share, net of tax	$ 0.03	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06
Stock option granted	0	0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	0.1		0.1
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period of recognition			7 months 6 days
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 7.6		$ 7.6
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period of recognition				2 years 8 months 12 days

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Company-Owned Life Insurance

6 Months Ended

Sep. 15, 2012

Company-Owned Life Insurance [Abstract]

Company-Owned Life Insurance

Note 12

Company-Owned Life Insurance

The Company holds variable universal life insurance policies on certain key associates. The company-owned policies have annual premium payments of $0.8 million. The net cash surrender value of approximately $2.5 million and $1.6 million at September 15, 2012 and September 10, 2011, respectively, is recorded on the balance sheet in Other Long-term Assets. These policies have an aggregate amount of life insurance coverage of approximately $15 million.