May 21, 2012
Senate Introduces ATM Signage Bill
The NACS-supported bill seeks to eliminate the dual fee notification requirement at an ATM.
7-Eleven Fights Against Underage Drinking With Technology
The retailer is expanding its corporate social responsibility efforts with the ability to scan the 2-D barcode on the back of a customer’s driver’s license in the New York metro area.
Pump Tampering Leads to $12K Loss
A Chicago gas station fell victim to fuel theft, which resulted in a loss of $12,000 over a two-week period.
California Town Takes Soda Tax to the Ballot
The penny-per-beverage tax would apply to soft drinks and beverages with added sugar, although diet soft drinks and most juices would be exempt.
Canada Officials Crack Down on Illegal Smokes
In May alone nearly 25,000 cartons of contraband tobacco were seized before they could hit the Canadian market.
BAT Counters Counterfeit Smokes With Discount Brand
The tobacco company’s new discount label, Just Smokes, will compete with illegal counterfeit cigarettes in Australia.
May 18, 2012
First Clean Mobility Center Opens in California
The alternative fuel station that sells biodiesel and E85 is one of more than 200 that are scheduled for the state.
Can Walmart Find Success in a Smaller Store?
The discount retailer has been slow to expand its smaller footprint locations.
Some Drivers Move to Pure Gasoline
Concerns about ethanol are driving motorists to seek out the more expensive 100% gasoline.
U.K. Health Experts Call for Soda Tax
The trio says that a 20% tax on soft drinks would help slim down U.K. residents.
How Cost-Conscious Grocery Shoppers Tick
New research reveals that the average monthly spend on groceries has been on the rise.
New Beverage Targets Your Health
In Japan, a new beverage is being called the world’s first health-food soda.
May 17, 2012
U.S. Forges Ahead on Road to Energy Independence
Williamsport (Pennsylvania) is the new Williston (North Dakota), a hotbed of domestic energy production.
7-Eleven to Acquire Open Pantry Stores
The acquisition would give 7-Eleven entry in the Wisconsin market, which it left 10 years after operating about 15 stores in the state.
Rutter’s Raises $110,000 for Children’s Charities
The retailer’s 10th annual charity golf event raised a record amount for Rutter’s Children’s Charities, which improves the lives of local children.
Massachusetts Item Pricing Proposal Draws Ire
Warehouse clubs, convenience stores would be exempt from having to affix individual stickers on food items or provide aisle scanners.
Falling Gas Prices Don’t Lead to Rising Retail Sales
Analysts say that the warmer temps in February and March led to earlier purchasing decisions by consumers. As a result, excluding gasoline station sales, retail sales rose just 0.2% last month.
Nutrisystem Expands Into Retail
Nutrisystem Everyday products will be sold at Kroger, which marks the beginning of the company’s growth plans into more retail channels.
CITGO Expands Loyalty Bucks Program with Pinnacle’s Loyalink
As part of the Loyalty Bucks program, CITGO contributes up to $2,000 per location toward the technology and service costs associated with program implementation.
May 16, 2012
Jettisoning the Kwik-E-Mart Image of C-Store Food
Convenience stores have improved their fresh food offerings, but still struggle with negative PR and consumer misperceptions.
Experience the NACS Show — Today!
NACS Show Virtual is up and running, feature 10 hours of exclusive educational sessions content, interviews with industry leaders and a Cool New Products recap.
Speedway Convenience Stores Top Retailer in Its Category
The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study placed Costco as the gasoline retail brand of the year.
Coke Enters Low-Cal Soda Battle With New Sweeteners Blend
The soft-drink company has begun testing mid-calorie soft drinks in select stores.
Fast-Casual Chains Dominate Restaurant Growth
The top 150 fast-casual chains increased 8.4% last year, compared to a growth rate of 6.6% in 2010.
Thorntons Partners With Make-A-Wish Foundation
All store locations are selling Wish Stars for $1, with 100% of the proceeds going back to the foundation.
May 15, 2012
7-Eleven Launches Low-Calorie Slurpee
The Splenda-sweetened beverage is 7-Eleven’s first low-calorie Slurpee available nationwide.
Gulf Oil Supports Breast Cancer Awareness in MLB Parks
Gulf adds a pink ribbon to its iconic logo and donates tickets to Red Sox home games to support breast cancer research, awareness and treatment.
Vermont Pooh-Poohs Dollar Stores
Based on environmental and aesthetic criteria, Vermonters are speaking out against the growth of dollar stores in their state.
The Mad Dash for Digital Wallets
Attendees at a cellphone industry trade show agree the future is in mobile, but can’t agree on what that future will look like.
Washington to Double RYO Taxes
A carton of roll-your-own cigarettes in Washington state is on track to increase from $40 to $80 in July.
Website Promotes Beer Prices
Much like gas price apps, SaveOnBrew.com wants to help consumers locate beer prices at retail locations in the United States.