CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales increased by 1.9% in November, compared with the year-ago period, the company said Thursday.

The country's third-largest retail pharmacy chain said front-end same-store sales decreased by 0.6%, while pharmacy same-store sales increased by 3.1%. Meanwhile, total drug store sales were $2.4 billion, a 1.4% increase over November 2010's $2.37 billion.

For the 13-week period that ended Nov. 26, same-store sales increased by 2% over the same period last year. Same-store sales on the front end were flat, while pharmacy same-store sales increased by 2.9%. Total drug store sales were nearly $6.3 billion, compared with nearly $6.2 billion last year.

For the year to date, same-store sales increased 1.6%, including a 0.8% increase in front-end same-store sales and a 1.9% increase in pharmacy same-store sales. Total drug store sales  were $18.9 billion, compared with about $18.7 billion during the first 39 weeks of fiscal year 2010.