Used car dealership chain CarMax says its third-quarter profit rose slightly as the sluggish economy hurt consumer confidence and softened sales.

The Richmond-based company Wednesday posted net income of $82.8 million for the period ended Nov. 30, compared with $82.4 million a year ago. Earnings per share was 36 cents in both periods.

Net sales grew nearly 7 percent to $2.26 billion on strong wholesale car sales and higher overall prices. But sales at stores open at least one year fell 3 percent. Used vehicle unit sales fell 1 percent overall.

Analysts expected earnings of 38 cents a shares on sales of $2.27 billion.

CarMax runs more than 105 stores that mainly sell used cars and trucks. It plans to open 10 to 15 stores per year through fiscal 2016.