Operations News

Adding Booze to the Menu Adds Headaches
Recent moves by Starbucks and several QSRs to add beer and wine to their menus have led to regulatory headaches.
Posted May 22, 2012

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.
Posted May 21, 2012

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.
Posted May 21, 2012

Can Walmart Find Success in a Smaller Store?
The discount retailer has been slow to expand its smaller footprint locations.
Posted May 18, 2012

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.
Posted May 17, 2012

Speedway Convenience Stores Top Retailer in Its Category
The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study placed Costco as the gasoline retail brand of the year.
Posted May 16, 2012

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.
Posted May 16, 2012

Vermont Pooh-Poohs Dollar Stores
Based on environmental and aesthetic criteria, Vermonters are speaking out against the growth of dollar stores in their state.
Posted May 15, 2012

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.
Posted May 15, 2012

“Roboista” Versus the Barista
Briggo’s robotic barista kiosk is hoping to automate the gourmet coffeehouse experience.
Posted May 14, 2012

Buc-ee’s Opens World’s Largest C-Store
The 60-pump station boasts 68,000 square feet and a 34-stall women’s restroom.
Posted May 9, 2012

Future of C-Stores to Depend on Foodservice
NRA Show educational session includes insights on executing world-class convenience store foodservice.
Posted May 8, 2012

Family Dollar to Partner with McLane
Partnership will allow Family Dollar to customize assortments to local markets as well establish a national supply chain for refrigerated and frozen merchandise.
Posted May 8, 2012

Connecticut Allows Sunday Sales
One of the last states to hold out on allowing Sunday alcohol sales has changed its tune.
Posted May 7, 2012

Lawmaker Proposes Limiting Smoking Bans
The measure would prohibit localities from not allowing smoking in places where more than half of retail sales are derived from entertainment, tobacco or alcohol.
Posted May 4, 2012

Appeals Court: Malt Drinks Should Be Taxed Like Beer
The court based its ruling on the fact that the beverages are made from beer and contain about the same alcohol content.
Posted May 4, 2012

Chicago Alderman Review Soda Tax Proposals
Committee members heard proposals that would tax sugary drinks anywhere from 1 cent to 30 cents.
Posted May 3, 2012

Beer Companies, Retailers Seek Dismissal of Indian Lawsuit
Motions ask a judge to dismiss a $500 million lawsuit filed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe against breweries, retailers and distributors.
Posted May 3, 2012

Dollar General Transforms Into ‘New General Store’
The discount retailer wants to grab a bigger share of the supermarket business by upping its fresh food and refrigerated products.
Posted May 2, 2012

Michigan Lawmakers Tinker With State Smoking Ban
Some legislators want to allow smoking in enclosed, separate rooms, on outdoor restaurant patios and at charity fundraisers.
Posted May 2, 2012

Missouri Voters Pushing Cigarette Tax Hike
Signature drive would place a cigarette tax increase on the November ballot, the third time this decade that a proposal to raise cigarette taxes has appeared on the statewide ballot.
Posted May 1, 2012

Small Business Hiring Drops in April
Is the tenuous labor marketing weakening? Small business hiring drops sharply in April, and employee work hours are cut, too.
Posted May 1, 2012

Tennessee Senate Passes Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Bill
The bill would require retailers to pay a cigarette tax and $500 licensing fee for each RYO machine. Also, Associated Industries of Florida urges support for NACS-supported RYO legislation.
Posted Apr 30, 2012

Massachusetts Town First in Nation to Ban Bottled Water
Concord residents voted to ban the sale of bottled water within city limits.
Posted Apr 30, 2012

Online Lottery Push Faces Strong Opposition
Retailers and casinos find themselves on the same side when it comes to fighting online lottery ticket sales.
Posted Apr 27, 2012

C-Store Owner Protests Grocery Store Wine Ballot
The filing claims the language violates the state constitution’s equal protection clause because it outlines which stores can sell wine.
Posted Apr 27, 2012

California Legislators Try Hooking State Minimum Wage to CPI
Lawmakers want the state’s hourly rate to rise above its current $8.
Posted Apr 27, 2012

Tobacco Firms Round Up Support Against California Cigarette Tax Initiative
Proposition 29 would jack up cigarette taxes by $1 to reach $1.87 per pack.
Posted Apr 27, 2012

Solana Beach Considering Fine-Heavy Plastic Bag Ban
Stores violating the ordinance could incur a fine of up to $1,000.
Posted Apr 26, 2012

Washington Nets Nearly $31 million for Liquor Stores
More than 14,000 bids have been submitted for the state’s 167 liquor stores, which will become privatized beginning June 1.
Posted Apr 26, 2012

Alabama Approves Restriction of Cold, Allergy Meds
The legislation applies to allergy and cold medication that has ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which can be used to make the drug meth.
Posted Apr 25, 2012

Warehouse Clubs Lure Customers With Cheap Food
Customers come for the cheap eats and often leave with far more than a full stomach.
Posted Apr 24, 2012

Cashless and Cardless by 2020
Experts say that more consumers will ditch both cash and plastic in favor of mobile payments within eight years.
Posted Apr 23, 2012

Illinois Governor Proposes Higher Cigarette Excise Taxes
Governor Pat Quinn’s plan to keep the state’s Medicaid program from collapsing is banking on a $1 increase in the state’s cigarette tax.
Posted Apr 23, 2012

Online Lottery Sales Proposal Sinks in Maryland
The State Lottery Agency lost its funding to shift sales to the Internet.
Posted Apr 18, 2012

Vermont Seeks Plastic Bag Ban and Expansion of Bottle Deposits
Bottle deposit expansion includes a wide range of beverages and would take effect in 2013, while a plastic bag ban would take effect this July.
Posted Apr 17, 2012

Dollar Stores Gaining on Walgreens, CVS in Florida
South Florida dollar store chains are expanding, revamping food offerings and health and beauty selections, as well as offering pharmacies in some locations.
Posted Apr 17, 2012

Arizona Gas Station Makes History
A gas station on Route 66 gets its name added to the national historic register.
Posted Apr 16, 2012

Missouri Supreme Court Denies Processing Exemption to Restaurants, C-Stores
The ruling referred to a partial sales tax exemption for electricity used to prepare food for sale.
Posted Apr 13, 2012

Chicago Mayor Proposes Crackdown on “Problem” C-Stores
Mayor Emanuel is planning to shut down liquor and convenience stores that are magnets for crime.
Posted Apr 12, 2012

Costco to Sit Out Oregon and Idaho Liquor Fights in 2012
After funding nearly all of Washington’s $22 million campaign to end a government monopoly on liquor sales, Costco will be watching from the sidelines on efforts in Idaho and Oregon — at least for this year.
Posted Apr 10, 2012

Gas Stations Go Upscale
Some retailers are transforming their stores into a shopper’s paradise.
Posted Apr 5, 2012

Maryland Faces Rising Cigarette Smuggling
The state seeks to increase smuggling penalties in an effort to extinguish the growth of the crime.
Posted Apr 4, 2012

Tennessee Retailers Concede Defeat on Wine Sales
For the sixth consecutive year legislation that would allow Tennessee grocery and convenience stores to sell wine has failed to gain traction.
Posted Apr 3, 2012

New York Bans Synthetic Marijuana
The state has banned products like “Spice”, “K2”, “Mr. Nice Guy” and “Smiley Dog” from being sold in convenience stores, smoke shops and tobacco stores.
Posted Apr 2, 2012

Mega Millions’ Lives Up to Name With $540 Million Jackpot
Today’s drawing has the largest ever payout for the multi-state lottery.
Posted Mar 30, 2012

Indiana Closely Eyes Illinois Online Lottery
State lottery officials are keeping a close watch on how the online lottery ticket sales play out in Illinois.
Posted Mar 29, 2012

NYACS Helps Block State Tobacco Tax Hikes
NYACS successfully advocated for changes to tobacco taxes proposed in the state budget.
Posted Mar 28, 2012

Massachusetts Towns Ban Tobacco in Drug Stores
The Southborough and Wellesley boards of health have okayed banning tobacco from drug-store shelves.
Posted Mar 27, 2012

QuikTrip Rolls Out New Stores
The Tulsa-based c-store chain is moving forward with plans to open more "Generation 3" stores in the Kansas City market by year's end.
Posted Mar 27, 2012

Grocers Realize the Value of Private Label
Companies invested in private label are erasing the stigma that their products are generic or second-rate alternatives to the major brands.
Posted Mar 26, 2012

Starbucks Shifts Into Super Supplier
The coffeehouse chain is branching out from the street corner and boosting its presence on grocery store shelves — a move that will continue as the company continues to grow.
Posted Mar 26, 2012

All-Out Vending
In addition to sodas and snacks, vending machines are offering everything from fishing bait to artwork.
Posted Mar 26, 2012

Illinois Online Lottery Begins
On Sunday, Illinois became the first state to allow online lottery sales — and it won’t be the last.
Posted Mar 26, 2012

Governor Signs Indiana Smoking Ban Into Law
The statewide indoor smoking ban will take effect in July, with exemptions for casinos, clubs and bars.
Posted Mar 23, 2012

Silence Might Be the Best Choice
Playing music could land retailers in hot water with performing rights companies.
Posted Mar 23, 2012

U.S. Consumption of Soft Drinks Plummets
Carbonated soda volume, excluding energy drinks, dropped 1.5% in 2011.
Posted Mar 22, 2012

N.C. Court Rules State Smoking Ban Legal
The judges overturned a lower court decision that found the ban violated the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause.
Posted Mar 22, 2012

Giant Eagle Tests Curbside Express
The service allows customers to order online and pick up their groceries at the store without leaving their car.
Posted Mar 22, 2012

New York County Attempts Tobacco Display Ban
Madison County is developing plans to make c-stores and other retail establishments where minors can frequent go dark — but the rules would not apply tribal stores.
Posted Mar 19, 2012

“Cash Mobs” Hit Up Small Businesses
From San Diego to Buffalo, groups of organized do-gooders are descending upon small businesses, buying merchandise in cash and celebrating their pro-small, local businesses mission.
Posted Mar 19, 2012

NY C-Stores Applaud Action Against Unregulated RYO Cigarette Dealers
NYACS is pleased with the announcement that the state attorney general would be suing two additional roll-your-own shops. Also, NACS will take this issue to Congress next week for NACS Day on Capitol Hill.
Posted Mar 16, 2012

CDC Combats Smoking With New Graphic Ads
The agency unveiled its national, antismoking campaign yesterday.
Posted Mar 16, 2012

N.Y. Wine Industry Renews Grocery Store Wine Sales Push
Despite setbacks and opposition from the governor, the New York Wine Industry Association has once again found a bill sponsor.
Posted Mar 16, 2012

Kentucky Panel Approves Statewide Smoking Ban
Some legislators believe the controversial bill will likely fail to gain political traction, as all 100 state House members are up for reelection this year.
Posted Mar 15, 2012

New Jersey Reignites Tobacco Tax Increase Debate
The legislature will look into whether it should raise tobacco taxes, despite the state having one the nation’s highest cigarette taxes.
Posted Mar 14, 2012

Target Expands Fresh in 100 More Stores
Target is completing remodels at 100 stores later this month, all of which will offer a full selection of fresh food in roughly 10,000 square feet of space.
Posted Mar 12, 2012

Washington State Begins Liquor License Auction
Voters approved an initiative that requires the state to end its control of liquor stores.
Posted Mar 9, 2012

Anti-Tobacco Groups Demonize Convenience Stores
NACS counters that the convenience stores sell legal products in a lawful way, and that the report is “rife with nonsensical reasoning.”
Posted Mar 7, 2012

S.C. Bill Introduced to Require Retailers Restrooms Be Public
The legislation would require all retail locations to have public-access facilities.
Posted Mar 7, 2012

Indiana Lawmakers Consider Weakened Smoking Bill
Also on the table is whether localities can pass more stringent bans that would supersede the statewide ban.
Posted Mar 7, 2012

Retailers Join Mobile Payment Race
Walmart and Target among two dozen retailers joining together to create a mobile payment service.
Posted Mar 6, 2012

Battle Brewing Over Selling Beer at Connecticut Gas Stations
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has proposed allowing convenience stores at gasoline stations to sell beer.
Posted Mar 6, 2012

Oakland Food Truck Vendors Unite to Fight Crime
Citing a lack of response from police following a spate of crimes, Oakland food truck vendors are looking to hire security guards to protect themselves.
Posted Mar 6, 2012

Costco Profits Fueled by Pump Discounts
The big-box store reels in shoppers with its low gas prices, a strategy that has boosted its bottom line.
Posted Mar 2, 2012

U.S. Growth Advanced by Consumer Spending
The U.S. economy improved a bit quicker during the last part of 2011, which could mean stronger progress in 2012.
Posted Mar 2, 2012

Home Depot To Accept PayPal Payments
PayPal payment option to be available at all 2,000 U.S. The Home Depot stores beginning later this month.
Posted Mar 1, 2012

Indiana Turns Up Heat on Right-to-Work Laws
The state outlawed forcing employees to join a union or pay union dues to work.
Posted Feb 28, 2012

Florida Targets Fruit-Flavored Tobacco
Around 100 communities have adopted resolutions urging businesses to ban fruit- and liqueur-flavored tobacco products.
Posted Feb 28, 2012

Minnesota Town Mandates Prepay
Prompted by increasing gas prices, Coon Rapids became the first city in the state to require customers to prepay at the pump.
Posted Feb 27, 2012

U-Haul and C-Stores Continue Dealer Partnerships
Three more convenience store operators have added U-Haul services to their businesses.
Posted Feb 27, 2012

New York Seizes Tribal Cigarettes
Since June, New York has seized more than 5 million cigarettes produced by Native American companies.
Posted Feb 24, 2012

Efforts To Expand Iowa Bottle Bill Fizzle
Legislation to expand Iowa’s bottle bill to include bottled water and sports drinks failed to gain traction from state lawmakers.
Posted Feb 24, 2012

Bill Would Allow Oklahoma Cities To Ban Smoking
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association opposes the plan, arguing that regulations should be imposed statewide to prevent confusion and undue burdens on multi-unit operators.
Posted Feb 23, 2012

BP Faces Class Action Suit Over Expired Car Wash Codes
The complaint alleges certificates redeemable for pre-paid goods and services should be valid for five years from the date of purchase.
Posted Feb 21, 2012

Illinois Online Lottery Could Cost Jobs
Chicagoland c-store operators are warning that 7,000 jobs could be lost if an online lottery moves forward as planned without retailer protections.
Posted Feb 20, 2012

Oklahoma Considers Raising Smoking Age
A bill before the House would up the legal age from 18 to 21 to buy tobacco products.
Posted Feb 17, 2012

West Virginia Bill Targets RYO Shops
The proposal seeks to ban businesses from possessing roll your own machines, subjecting violators to a $25,000 fine.
Posted Feb 16, 2012

Des Moines Proposes Revised Liquor License Approval Process
The proposal would add a “good moral character” qualifier to the city code that assesses liquor license applications.
Posted Feb 14, 2012

C-Store Foodservice Professionals in High Demand
As more stores focus on foodservice, the demand for qualified and energetic employees is heating up.
Posted Feb 13, 2012

Hawaii Debates Taxing Electronic Cigarettes
Lawmakers also consider nixing the state requirement to mix E10 blends.
Posted Feb 10, 2012

Kansas House Committee Ponders Liquor Law Changes
The bill would allow convenience stores and supermarkets to sell full-strength beer, spirits and wine.
Posted Feb 10, 2012

NYACS Opposes Higher Tobacco Taxes
The New York association provided testimony for a state Finance Committee hearing that urges legislators to reject Governor Cuomo’s proposed tax increases for cigars and loose tobacco.
Posted Feb 7, 2012

Minnesota Retailers Set Tobacco Compliance Record
For the 12-month period ending September 30, 97.6% of Minnesota’s tobacco retailers did not sell tobacco to minors.
Posted Feb 7, 2012

Synthetic Bath Salts Battle Continues
Fake bath salts are just one of many synthetic drugs that have gained attention by state legislatures in the past two years.
Posted Feb 6, 2012

Indianans Must Plan Ahead for Super Bowl Parties
The state’s alcohol law forbids takeout sales of liquor on Sundays. Meanwhile, the state House passed a smoking ban bill.
Posted Feb 3, 2012

Mississippi Committee OKs Repeal of Convenience Store Security Law
Opponents maintain the law unfairly singles out convenience store owners, creating a financial burden for compliance.
Posted Feb 2, 2012

New York Considers Minimum Wage Hike
The proposal has businesses concerned about job loss if the measure passes.
Posted Feb 1, 2012

Florida State Senator Proposes Food Stamp Restrictions
The measure would ban food stamp purchases of “junk food.”
Posted Feb 1, 2012

Virginia Subcommittee Deals Setback to RYO Shops
The subcommittee wants to define stores with roll your own tobacco machines as cigarette manufacturers.
Posted Jan 31, 2012

South Dakota Seeks Higher Taxes for Roll Your Own Smokes
State legislation would double the cost of roll your own cigarettes made and purchased in tobacco stores.
Posted Jan 26, 2012

Cash Still Reigns Supreme
The payment form ranks at the top for most Americans.
Posted Jan 25, 2012

Nevada Pharmacy Board Bans “Bath Salts”
An emergency order that classifies the substances as “schedule 1 drugs” is valid for 120 days, with Nevada’s Legislative Commission set to address the issue next month.
Posted Jan 24, 2012

Video Rental Stores Becoming Obsolete
DVD rental kiosks such as Redbox and digital streaming services are accelerating the demise of the local video rental store.
Posted Jan 24, 2012

Kansas Retailers Again Pursue Full-Strength Beer Sales
Convenience and grocery owners are seeking permission to sell full-strength beer in their stores.
Posted Jan 24, 2012

Walgreens Re-Opens 68 Newly Renovated Indianapolis Stores
The stores now offer fresh produce, grab-and-go food options and take-home meal options.
Posted Jan 23, 2012

Casey’s General Stores Move to 24/7 Operation
The convenience store chain has begun lengthening the hours at stores located in smaller communities.
Posted Jan 20, 2012

John Thompson, 7-Eleven Pioneer
Investor’s Business Daily profiles Thompson and his prolific career.
Posted Jan 20, 2012

FDA to Discuss Tobacco Strips, Lozenges
The safety and risks of the so-called “dissovables” is the topic of a three-day meeting that starts today.
Posted Jan 18, 2012

Oklahoma Lawmaker Calls for Tax on Newspapers
Want to read? It might cost you more.
Posted Jan 16, 2012

Eatery Fights Credit Card Fines in Court
Utah restaurant owners sued the bank that processed their charges after the card companies accused them of fraud.
Posted Jan 13, 2012

Expanded Beer Sales Fizzles in Colorado
After four consecutive years of trying to allow convenience stores to sell full-strength beer, no legislation has been filed for 2012.
Posted Jan 13, 2012

Indiana Convenience Store Summit Focuses on Safety
The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association plans to bring together police and industry experts later this month to outline best practices for keeping stores safe.
Posted Jan 10, 2012

Dollar Stores Continue To Resonate With Affluent Consumers
Outlook is strong for dollar-store retailers, whose convenience and competitive pricing will challenge food and drug retailers.
Posted Jan 10, 2012

Retail Food Prices Drop Slightly
Food prices drop in the fourth quarter but are still up substantially from a year ago.
Posted Jan 10, 2012

More Workplaces Banning Smoking and Smokers
There’s a new job requirement: No smoking — ever.
Posted Jan 9, 2012

Walmart Continues Small Format Expansion
A new Neighborhood Market is opening in Flower Mound, Texas, offering quick access to grocery items and fresh-prepared foods.
Posted Jan 9, 2012

Nebraska Considers Taxing Soda, Energy Beverages
A bill introduced this week would remove the soft drink exemption from the state’s sales tax.
Posted Jan 6, 2012

Georgia Not likely to Reinstate Food Tax
A proposal that would restart a state sales tax on groceries has little traction.
Posted Jan 6, 2012

Dollar General Entering Massachusetts and California
The discount retailer will enter the two states this year as part of a nationwide expansion plan.
Posted Jan 5, 2012

Consumers Could Shell Out Debit Cards for Lottery Tickets
In Massachusetts, the state Lottery Commission is preparing to allow customers to purchase lottery sales with debit cards in addition to cash.
Posted Dec 23, 2011

NYC Roll Your Own Cigarette Shops To Close
Two stores will shutter their doors in order to settle a lawsuit brought forth by the city.
Posted Dec 22, 2011

Irving Oil Awards $60,000 to Community Organizations
Six organizations will receive up to $15,000 to support education, the environment and local communities in need.
Posted Dec 22, 2011

States Challenging Child-Labor Laws
Republican legislators and governors want to change child-labor laws to assist businesses, such as supermarkets and restaurants, in hiring more workers.
Posted Dec 21, 2011

Oklahoma Border Stores See Drop in Lottery Sales
One convenience store had ticket sales plummet 85% since neighboring Arkansas launched its lottery.
Posted Dec 20, 2011

Indiana Governor to Push for Smoking Ban
He wants the bill to be in place before the Super Bowl XLVI.
Posted Dec 20, 2011

A Sign of Economic Recovery: Quitting
More workers are handing in pink slips, a sign that the job market may be recovering from the recession.
Posted Dec 19, 2011

Kohl’s Offers Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Charging while you shop will be offered at 33 stores, with costs partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Posted Dec 16, 2011

PA Lawmakers Amend Liquor Privatization Bill
The amended bill retains state stores while allowing beer distributors to sell wine.
Posted Dec 15, 2011

Hip to Be Square
Mobile payment service Square announces that one of eight merchants who accept credit cards now uses Square — more than one million in total.
Posted Dec 15, 2011

Groups to Push Higher Tobacco Taxes in Idaho
A coalition in Idaho will continue to press for an increase in tobacco products next year.
Posted Dec 14, 2011

Blue Laws “Quirk” Heading for Removal
The Massachusetts House is working to remove a “quirk” in the state’s blue laws that would allow retailers to sell beer on the Sunday after Christmas.
Posted Dec 12, 2011

Casey’s General Stores Reveals Expansion Plans, Pizza Delivery
The Midwestern c-store chain is growing its store count as well as the number of stores that will operate 24/7 and offer pizza delivery service.
Posted Dec 12, 2011

City Council Seeks Beverage Tax Ballot Measure
The measure would ask voters in Richmond (California) if they would support a penny-per-ounce tax on soft drinks and other sugary beverages as a means to reduce childhood obesity.
Posted Dec 12, 2011

Governments Crack Down on Food Stamp Fraud
Both state and federal officials are targeting scams related to food stamps.
Posted Dec 8, 2011

Dollar General to Fill ‘Food Desert’ Void
The discount chain wants to open its food market stores in areas without grocery stores.
Posted Dec 8, 2011

The Luck of the Draw
At Chuck’s Grocery, lottery tickets have a way of coming up in the money.
Posted Dec 8, 2011

Federal Legalization of Online Poker Won’t Damage State Lotteries
A new study finds that if the government legalizes online poker, state lottery revenue will continue as usual.
Posted Dec 7, 2011

Convenience Store Companies Settle Disability Lawsuit
A poor economy is one of the factors that have led to a rise in ADA lawsuits, and new regulations that take effect in March could accelerate that trend.
Posted Dec 5, 2011

Cigarette-Making Machines at Retail Come Under Fire
States and the federal government are cracking down on retail establishments that allow customers to roll their own cigarettes at lower tax rates.
Posted Dec 5, 2011

“Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto!” Shop24 Opens for Business
The robotic convenience store is opening up shop in a Salt Lake City-area apartment complex.
Posted Dec 5, 2011

Indiana Inches Closer to Statewide Smoking Ban
Senate leader says the bill might pass if advocates would be content with some exceptions.
Posted Dec 2, 2011

Walgreens Debuts Web Pickup Service in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the second full market rollout for Web Pickup, and select stores soon will add curbside delivery.
Posted Dec 1, 2011

How Not To Deal With 4-Year Old “Shoplifters”
Safeway fires a security guard who banned a 4-year for life from Safeway stores after he caught her eating from an opened box of dried apricots.
Posted Nov 29, 2011

Walgreens to Expand Private-Label Brands
​The drug-store chain plans to double private-label sales over the next five to seven years.​
Posted Nov 28, 2011

Yum! Brands Discontinues Push for Food Stamps
The owner of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell has decided to stop campaigning to get a bigger slice of the food stamp pie for restaurants.
Posted Nov 23, 2011

Seattle Considers Ban on Plastic Bags
The proposal would prohibit plastic carryout bags and would charge a nickel for paper bags.
Posted Nov 23, 2011

USDA Targets Food Stamp Fraud
The USDA says food stamp trafficking is increasing among the 199,000 small stores that process food stamp transactions.
Posted Nov 22, 2011

The Battle for Pump Viewership
Pump-Top TV companies, intent on expanding rapidly, are forging partnerships with pump manufacturers.
Posted Nov 22, 2011

IHOP Adds Self-Service Format
IHOP is also testing a larger restaurant concept called IHOP Café that focuses on premium coffee beverages.
Posted Nov 22, 2011

Healthy Eats Inside C-Stores
Registered dietitian Emily Baker shares road-trip tips on choosing healthy options at convenience stores.
Posted Nov 21, 2011

Obama Urges Tobacco Industry to Stop Label Fight
The president has harsh words for tobacco companies, saying they don’t want the new packaging requirements because “they don’t want to be honest about the consequences.”
Posted Nov 18, 2011

Organizers Eye Oregon Next for Liquor Privatization
Success in neighboring Washington has some looking to make the same change in Oregon.
Posted Nov 18, 2011

Kangaroo Express Raises More Than $233,000 to Give Kids The World
In other charity news, Thorntons has partnered with the American Red Cross’s Santa’s Workshop program to help service personnel.
Posted Nov 18, 2011

Four Busted in Cigarette Smuggling Ring
Four men have been arrested and charged as part of a ring that officials maintain cost Rhode Island more than $5.7 million in cigarette tax revenue.
Posted Nov 17, 2011

Locally Grown Food Blossoms
The Agriculture Department found that locally grown food generated $4.8 billion in 2008.
Posted Nov 16, 2011

Convenience Stores Address Food Desert Concerns in San Antonio
Federal stimulus money allows city to spring for produce refrigerators at convenience stores located in areas without supermarkets.
Posted Nov 15, 2011

Rutter’s Plans New Loganville Store
The new 5,700-square-foot store is slated to be open in the spring of 2012.
Posted Nov 15, 2011

County Officials Look to Farmers' Markets, Convenience Store for Fresh Foods
Rather than build supermarkets, Guilford County health officials are seeking assistance from local establishments already in the community to help provide fresh produce to residents.
Posted Nov 14, 2011

Georgia Voters Approve Sunday Liquor Sales
Now the question becomes when stores will start selling alcohol on Sundays.
Posted Nov 11, 2011

7-Eleven Thanks Military With Free Slurpees Today
7-Eleven stores are also enlisting customer support for a USO fundraiser.
Posted Nov 11, 2011

Representative Introduces No-Smoking Bill at Federal Buildings
The measure would prohibit lighting up inside and within a 25-foot radius around all government owned or leased buildings.
Posted Nov 9, 2011

Sugary Drink Bans Don’t Mean Less Consumption
A new study finds that at schools where sugared beverages have been banned, most children still drink sugared-sweetened drinks at least weekly.
Posted Nov 9, 2011

Shell Announces New Rewards Plan
New ‘Fuel Reward Network’ to tie in 700 brand-name merchants allowing customers to cash in at the pump.
Posted Nov 8, 2011

East L.A. Corner Store Gets “Extreme Makeover”
Fresh produce is the corner stone to the Yash La Casa Market’s recent makeover, bringing healthy options to the community.
Posted Nov 7, 2011

Oklahoma Considers Nickel Bottle Deposit
The refundable deposit would cover water bottles, beer and soft drinks.
Posted Nov 4, 2011

Chicago Looks Into Plastic Bag Ban
The bill would prohibit retailers with more than 5,000 square feet of floor space from handing out bags.
Posted Nov 4, 2011

Maryland Governor Proposes Gas Tax Increase
The tax would increase from 23.5 cents to 38.5 cents over the next three years.
Posted Nov 3, 2011

To Square or Not To Square
MobileBeat.com takes a look at whether retailers should adopt the Square mobile payment service.
Posted Nov 3, 2011

Bank of America Backs Away From Debit Card Fees
Yesterday, the bank confirmed it would not charge customers $5 a month to use debit cards.
Posted Nov 2, 2011

Shopping Urge Overcomes Economic Anxiety
Americans are still spending despite continued uncertainty about the economy.
Posted Nov 2, 2011

PEI Offers Two New Safety Posters
The safety awareness posters, available now for purchase, depict two safety issues in the petroleum equipment industry: ignition sources and situational awareness.
Posted Nov 1, 2011

Retailers Unveil Incentives to Lure Prudent Shoppers
Walmart, Amazon.com and Best Buy are just a few of the major retailers looking to attract a pool of shoppers impacted by the economic downturn this holiday season.
Posted Nov 1, 2011

Fruit Prices Jump Higher
The cost for fruit this year will be 3 percent to 4 percent more than last year.
Posted Oct 28, 2011

Pennsylvania Governor Reviewing Liquor Privatization Plans
Governor Corbett supports turning over control of the state’s alcohol industry and is studying a plan to auction retail and wholesale licenses.
Posted Oct 27, 2011

Lottery Tickets Available Online for Floridians – For Now
New website offers a lottery service to Floridians, and lottery officials are trying to figure out whether the venture is legal.
Posted Oct 27, 2011

D.C Mayor Thanks 7-Eleven for Boosting Employment
7-Eleven has pledged to hire all of the stores’ employees from the neighborhoods where they’re located.
Posted Oct 25, 2011

County Legislator Calls for Clearer Gas Price Postings
The legislator is proposing to change current law so that street signage clearly states the differences in cash or credit prices at the pump.
Posted Oct 25, 2011

Retailers Heighten Awareness of “Flash Robs”
With the holiday season approaching, retailers are preparing to protect their stores and staff against mob-mentality robberies.
Posted Oct 24, 2011

Cigarette Trafficking Ring Busted in Georgia
A four-year investigation leads to nearly 50 arrests last week when officials broke up a major cigarette tax crime ring.
Posted Oct 24, 2011

Obama, Emanuel to Tour Chicago’s “Food Deserts”
The First Lady will tour the city’s food desert areas next week as part of Mayor Emanuel’s “food summit.”
Posted Oct 20, 2011

New York Convenience Stores See Boost in Cigarette Traffic
The Oneida Indian Nation is allowing its inventory of name brand cigarettes to dwindle to avoid paying taxes.
Posted Oct 19, 2011

More Massachusetts Grocery Stores to Sell Beer
A new agreement in Massachusetts would increase the current limit of three liquor licenses per company to five next year and up to nine in 2020.
Posted Oct 18, 2011

Walmart To Close Doors on Marketside Stores
The retailer is reportedly planning to close up all of its Arizona Marketside locations later this month.
Posted Oct 17, 2011

NetSpend Expands Reload Network to 7-Eleven Locations Nationwide
Cardholders can stop by more than 6,000 outlets to add funds to their payment cards.
Posted Oct 14, 2011

Pa. Alcohol Privatization Proposal Leaves Beer Out in the Cold
The bill also forbids sale of alcohol at retailers with gasoline pumps.
Posted Oct 12, 2011

New Jersey Contemplates Raising Taxes on Tobacco
The state is specifically looking at non-cigarette tobacco products, such as little cigars.
Posted Oct 10, 2011

American Snuff Company Launches New Website
The company promotes its smokeless tobacco products on the site.
Posted Oct 10, 2011

Georgia Voters To Tackle Sunday Alcohol Sales
The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores has long lobbied to get the matter in front of voters.
Posted Oct 7, 2011

Some Food, Gas Prices Might Be Heading Down
Just in time for the holidays, the cost of filling up, sweets and baked goods could be dropping.
Posted Oct 6, 2011

Drugstore Food More Costly
A new survey finds that groceries in drug stores and pharmacies typically are more expensive than in grocery stores.
Posted Oct 6, 2011

Eight States to Hike Minimum Wage in 2012
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont and Washington will raise their minimum wage next year.
Posted Oct 5, 2011

Healthy Corners Brings Fresh Produce to Food Deserts
The program targets areas in Washington, D.C., that lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Posted Oct 3, 2011

Unemployment Taxes Rise for Businesses
More employers are receiving higher state unemployment tax bills because states have to make more than $1 billion in interest payments this fall.
Posted Oct 3, 2011

Lucky Irving Oil Customer Wins Free Gas for a Year
The Irving Rewards program offered customers gas savings and chance to win free gas for a year.
Posted Sep 30, 2011

Security Mandate for C-Stores Raises Concerns
A new measure will require convenience stores in Jackson, Mississippi, to have security personnel on their premises from midnight to 5 am.
Posted Sep 27, 2011

Cafe2U Rolls Into U.S. Market
The Australian-based mobile coffee franchise is hitting the ground in the United States, with the first franchise opening in Bend, Oregon.
Posted Sep 26, 2011

Wisconsin to Enforce Roll-Your-Own Taxes
According to state law, if a retailer or the retailer’s customer operates a RYO machine on premise, the retailer is both a cigarette manufacturer and distributor.
Posted Sep 26, 2011

2010 Tough Year for Independent Grocers
These smaller supermarkets registered slimmer profit margins last year.
Posted Sep 23, 2011

Walmart Opens First Neighborhood Market in Chicago
Walmart continues its Windy City expansion with a 27,000-square foot grocery store.
Posted Sep 22, 2011

Marathon Boosts Loyalty Services
The company is increasing its private-label and co-branded credit and marketing services for more than 5,000 independently owned locations.
Posted Sep 22, 2011

NFIB Sues the NLRB Over Posting Requirement Rule
The federation said the labor board had “gone too far” in passing the rule that requires businesses to post a notice about employees’ right to unionize.
Posted Sep 21, 2011

Oklahoma Would Have to Change Constitution to Expand Wine, Beer Sales
Distributors and liquor stores strongly oppose any changes to the status quo, but grocery and convenience stores want to sell stronger beer and wine.
Posted Sep 21, 2011

Revised Kansas City Liquor Law May Court Convenience
Government regulation, not economics, has prevented convenience stores from serving Kansas City’s poorest neighborhoods. That may soon change.
Posted Sep 20, 2011

D.C. Market Bus Brings Fresh Produce to Locals
The Mobile Market, a decommissioned school bus retrofitted as a farmers market on wheels, also plans to accept food stamps.
Posted Sep 19, 2011

Recession Is “Likely”
Economists say there’s a one in three chance that the United States will slip into a recession over the next 12 months.
Posted Sep 19, 2011

Santa Cruz County Passes Plastic Bag Ban
The county Board of Supervisors also approved a fee on paper bags.
Posted Sep 16, 2011

Big Y Jettisons Self-Checkout Lanes
The New England supermarket chain debuted self-checkout eight years ago.
Posted Sep 16, 2011

Consumer Confidence, Retail Sales Down
Is a double-dip recession on the way?
Posted Sep 15, 2011

97 Georgia Cities, Counties Set November Sunday Sales Referendums
In April, the governor signed a law allowing municipalities to vote on whether to let retailers sell alcohol on Sundays.
Posted Sep 14, 2011

PDI Announces Winners of Doing Business Electronically Awards
The awards recognize convenience retailers and wholesale petroleum marketers who have shown innovation in using PDI/Enterprise.
Posted Sep 13, 2011

Boston Proposes Restrictions on E-Cigs
Retailers would be required to apply for a permit through the commission’s Tobacco Control office to sell e-cigarettes.
Posted Sep 12, 2011

Los Angeles Considers Paper, Plastic Bag Ban
Several California counties and cities already have bans on plastic bags.
Posted Sep 9, 2011

Methamphetamine Use Drops Sharply
The restriction in ingredients used to make meth contributed to its decline. Also, the DEA has temporarily made selling synthetic drugs used to make “bath salts” illegal.
Posted Sep 9, 2011

ALDI Aligns Nutrition Messages With USDA
ALDI's new campaign will reach more than 20 million customers each month with affordable produce prices.
Posted Sep 8, 2011

Utah Town Considers Sunday Beer Sales
Provo City Council members express that they are in favor of reexamining Sunday sales as a means to boost revenues.
Posted Sep 8, 2011

Restaurants Target Food Stamp Customers
A growing number of QSRs are lobbying for a piece of the food stamp pie.
Posted Sep 7, 2011

Winning Lottery Ticket Revives Store’s Fortunes
A San Diego store owner sees a 10-fold jump in lottery ticket sales after selling a $2 million winning ticket.
Posted Sep 1, 2011

Walmart to Launch Grocery-Only Store in Nebraska
The new format is the first of several that it is rumored to be developing.
Posted Sep 1, 2011

California Bill Seeks Ban on Styrofoam Containers
The measure would prohibit restaurants, supermarkets and other retailers from using expanded polystyrene containers for takeaway food.
Posted Aug 31, 2011

Florida Town Considers Mandatory Classes for Retailers on Illegal Consumption
The mayor of Pembroke Pines wants convenience store clerks, bartenders and restaurant workers to take a mandatory class on the dangers of underage drinking.
Posted Aug 31, 2011

Florida Legislator Re-Introduces Bottled Water Tax Bill
The proposal would add a 6 percent surcharge on all bottled water under a gallon.
Posted Aug 31, 2011

Indy Smokers Rolling Their Own
Roll-your-own cigarette shops begin popping up throughout Indianapolis as smokers seek less expensive options.
Posted Aug 30, 2011

30th Anniversary for Arizona Lottery Follows Sales Record
More than half a billion in sales has generated $39 million in commissions for lottery retailers.
Posted Aug 30, 2011

C-Stores Highly Compliant With Food Quality and Safety
President of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association reports the state’s convenience store retailers scored a 99 percent compliance rate of providing high quality and safe food.
Posted Aug 30, 2011

Kwik Trip’s Green Initiatives Generate Big Savings
About half of the convenience stores in the country qualified for LEED certification are owned and operated by Kwik Trip.
Posted Aug 29, 2011

Food Stamp Vendors Increase
As the number of SNAP participants increases, so is scrutiny over the products people are or are not purchasing.
Posted Aug 29, 2011

Meijer Opens "Marketplace" Concept in Chicago
The move continues the push for big retailers to open smaller formats in urban areas such as Chicago.
Posted Aug 26, 2011

Low Interest Rates Holding Back Economy
Low interest rates could be responsible for decimating interest income and pensions, which is especially troubling for retirees.
Posted Aug 26, 2011

CBO: Unemployment Rate to Remain High
The Congressional Budget Office also projected that inflation-adjusted GDP will rise only 2.3% this year and 2.7% in 2012, with the U.S. economy failing to operate at its potential.
Posted Aug 25, 2011

Michigan Bar Owners Consider Banning Lawmakers
Upset about a smoking ban, Michigan bar owners are considering banning state lawmakers from their premises.
Posted Aug 25, 2011

Piggly Wiggly Promotes Food for Health at Its Pharmacies
Piggly Wiggly meal planning effort is designed to position the chain as a health and wellness destination.
Posted Aug 23, 2011

Dissolvable Tobacco Moves to Center Stage
Tobacco companies are rolling out new products that have regulatory agencies scrambling to figure out how to classify them.
Posted Aug 22, 2011

Thrifty Foods Reverts to Plastic
The Canadian supermarket chain had stopped handing out plastic bags in 2009, but customer preference has the chain bringing them back.
Posted Aug 22, 2011

Walmart’s Domestic Sales Fall for Ninth Consecutive Quarter
The big-box retailer cites concerns about the economy and its impact on customers, but predicts comparable store sales to rise by the end of the year.
Posted Aug 18, 2011

Tri-State Petroleum Holds Dunk Tank Fundraiser
The fundraising event takes place today with proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Posted Aug 17, 2011

Pret a Manger Redefines QSR Customer Service
The U.K.-based retailer’s team focus of motivated and friendly employees is helping the QSR chain grow in the United States.
Posted Aug 16, 2011

Indiana Governor Supports Statewide Smoking Ban
Daniels says statewide smoking ban has a shot at passing.
Posted Aug 16, 2011

National Payment Card Association Expands Merchant-Branded Debit Into Grocery Retail
The group continues to expand ITS offer on interchange savings by moving into the grocery/supermarket sector.
Posted Aug 15, 2011

More Classical, Less Loitering
An Ohio convenience store is keeping loiterers at bay with classical music.
Posted Aug 15, 2011

U.S. Food Prices Expected to Rise Next Year
Higher commodity prices this year will impact the cost of food in 2012.
Posted Aug 12, 2011

Aloha Petroleum Opens New Store Prototype
New ground-up design highlights the convenience store chain’s local roots.
Posted Aug 11, 2011

Pennsylvania Alcohol Privatization Discussions Heat Up
The legislature is considering ways to end the state’s monopoly on selling wine and liquor, but current beer laws could stay the same.
Posted Aug 10, 2011

Boston Market and Blockbuster Express Offer Dinner and a Movie
The promotion offers customers a free movie rental from a Blockbuster Express kiosk with meals purchased after 5:00 pm.
Posted Aug 9, 2011

Kraft Separates Into Two Businesses
One will handle its snack food products while the other will take on its grocery products.
Posted Aug 5, 2011

Colorado Lottery Reports Record Sales
The state registered more than $518 million in sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.
Posted Aug 5, 2011

Tesco Gets Ready to Test Smaller Format
The grocer has plans to pilot its convenience store size in southern California.
Posted Aug 5, 2011

Maryland C-Store Helps Residents Slim Down
Customers at a local convenience store are starting to make healthier choices, but there is still a long way to go.
Posted Aug 4, 2011

Ohio Lottery Realizes Sales Record
Instant game ticket sales generated more than 50 percent of last year’s $2.6 billion total.
Posted Aug 4, 2011

Poor Sales Hurt Small Businesses More Than Credit Woes
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that economic uncertainty and low sales contributed the most to small businesses laying off workers.
Posted Aug 3, 2011

Long Beach, Calif., Latest City to Ban Plastic Bags
On August 1, all large supermarket chains, big-box retailers and big drugstores cannot give out single-use plastic bags.
Posted Aug 2, 2011

Clark Brands Re-Opens Mentor, Minn., Location
Just over a year after a tornado tore through the store, the rural gasoline station and convenience store is once again open for business.
Posted Jul 29, 2011

Postal Service’s “Village” Plan Offers Corner Store Opportunities
The USPS is targeting more than 3,600 post offices for possible closure this year under a plan released on Tuesday.
Posted Jul 27, 2011

Walmart Brings Smaller Format to Boston
Walmart Market is part of the big box retailer’s plan to develop smaller format stores in urban areas.
Posted Jul 26, 2011

Consumers Turn Again to Credit Cards
More Americans are paying for necessities with plastic once more.
Posted Jul 25, 2011

Retailers, First Lady Target “Food Deserts”
Walmart, SuperValu and Walgreens are joining Michelle Obama to open more stores in so-called “food deserts.”
Posted Jul 22, 2011

Georgia Supreme Court: Retailers May Be Liable for Drunk Driving
State Supreme Court ruling says that convenience retailers may be held liable if they sell alcohol to visually impaired customers who drive drunk and cause injury to others.
Posted Jul 20, 2011

Washington State’s Liquor Fight Continues
Costco and food associations continue the fight to sell alcohol in Washington State.
Posted Jul 20, 2011

Rewards Cards Put the Squeeze on Retailers
Consumers love the freebies associated with their rewards-based credit cards, but small businesses aren’t sharing the sentiment.
Posted Jul 18, 2011

Portland To Vote This Week on Plastic Bag Ban
The ordinance is expected to pass with ease and enforcement would begin in less than three months.
Posted Jul 18, 2011

Filling Up…With Beer
Sunoco’s APlus convenience stores in Western New York are selling growlers filled with local craft brews — and with positive results.
Posted Jul 18, 2011

Merchants Go Paperless
More retailers are switching to email receipts instead of paper.
Posted Jul 15, 2011

Pennsylvania Considers Liquor Store Privatization
The legislation would allow convenience retailers to sell more than beer.
Posted Jul 15, 2011

Young’s Food Stores Give $12,500 to Foundation
The grant goes to the Tuomey Foundation through the BP Fueling Communities Program.
Posted Jul 15, 2011

Some Grocers Close Self-Checkout
A decade after their debut, some supermarkets are abandoning self-checkout lanes.
Posted Jul 12, 2011

Arizona Exceeds National Average in ‘Food Deserts’
A new study found that close to 14 percent of that state’s residents live in low-income areas with little access to grocery stores.
Posted Jul 8, 2011

Thorntons Raises $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
Every location sold Wish Stars for a dollar during May.
Posted Jul 8, 2011

Reynolds American Sees Smokeless Tobacco as the Future
With more regulation for cigarettes, the tobacco industry is looking for new ways to fire up sales.
Posted Jul 6, 2011

Texas Legislature Stubs Out Statewide Smoking Ban
Lawmakers once again declined to vote on a comprehensive indoor smoking prohibition.
Posted Jul 6, 2011

Duane Reade Unveils New Flagship Store
President Joe Magnacca calls the new store “the most exciting drug store in the world.”
Posted Jul 6, 2011

Sonic, Burger King Serve Up Alcohol
Some QSRs are hoping that beer and wine will help lure customers into their restaurants to boost evening dining sales.
Posted Jul 5, 2011

Kangaroo Express Achieves $1 Million “Salute Our Troops” Fundraising Goal
The campaign is continuing throughout the summer to benefit military non-profit organizations.
Posted Jul 5, 2011

Loyalty Programs Not Always Winners
A new study finds that reward cards might not work for some companies.
Posted Jul 1, 2011

Walmart Express to Open Blocks from Wrigley Field
Move comes as the retailer continues its expansion into urban areas with convenience store-sized formats.
Posted Jun 30, 2011

Minors Buying Tobacco at All-Time Low
A new study finds that U.S. retailers sold tobacco to minors only 9.3 percent of the time.
Posted Jun 29, 2011

Another Winning Million-Dollar Lottery Ticket Sold at Rutter’s
The $1 million Pennsylvania lottery ticket was purchased at a Wrightsville location.
Posted Jun 29, 2011

Walgreens Rolls Out Online Ordering, In-Store Pickup
The new service is rolling out in 480 Chicago-area stores, with select stores to offer curbside delivery.
Posted Jun 28, 2011

Vermont Faces Friday Cigarette Tax Increase
Also this week, Hawaii’s cigarette excise tax will increase from $3.00 to $3.20 per pack.
Posted Jun 28, 2011

N.H. Tobacco Tax Rollback Becomes Law
The governor will not veto a budget bill that contains a tobacco tax rollback.
Posted Jun 27, 2011

Nice N Easy Focuses on Food
The New York c-store chain is adding hot meals to its menu and chefs to its staff to boost its foodservice offer.
Posted Jun 27, 2011

N.H. Grocers, Convenience Stores Support Cigarette Tax Reduction
Lawmakers are considering slashing the state’s cigarette tax by a dime per pack.
Posted Jun 24, 2011

New York Court Allows Resumption of Tax Collection on Tribal Sales
For now, the state can resume collecting taxes on Indian cigarette sales to non-Indian customers.
Posted Jun 22, 2011

Dollar General Continues to Attract Affluent Shoppers
The dollar-store chain reports that its fastest-growing segment is customers who are making more than $70,000 per year.
Posted Jun 21, 2011

Philly Council Again Nixes Soda Tax
The mayor once more couldn’t garner enough support for his proposed tax on soft drinks.
Posted Jun 21, 2011

Officials Warn Against Leaving Kids, Pets in Hot Cars
In the summer heat, common sense doesn’t always prevail.
Posted Jun 20, 2011

FDA To Unveil Final Warning Selections for Cigarettes
On Tuesday, the agency will reveal the graphic imagery for cigarette packaging and advertising.
Posted Jun 17, 2011

Gas Station Gets New Life as a Coffeehouse
The 1920s-era location is being restored and transformed into Artie’s Filling Station.
Posted Jun 17, 2011

Pennsylvania Bans Counterfeit Pot and “Bath Salts”
The bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
Posted Jun 17, 2011

Find Your 'Winning Formula'
Retailers should discover their own strategies to beat the competition.
Posted Jun 16, 2011

Groups Rally Against Philly Soda Tax
The mayor’s proposal to have a 2-cent per ounce tax on sugared drinks has fierce opposition.
Posted Jun 16, 2011

Residents Support Wine Sales in N.Y. Supermarkets
However, the issue is not on tap for the Legislature to consider in the waning days of its session.
Posted Jun 15, 2011

Harsher Spring Weather Could Translate Into Rising Food Costs
The downpours, droughts, floods, heat and tornadoes that whipped through the Midwest could contribute to a reduction in the fall harvest.
Posted Jun 15, 2011

So-Called Bath Salts Hurting Legitimate Companies
Rising interest in illegal drugs masquerading as “bath salts” is tanking sales of the real thing in c-stores.
Posted Jun 15, 2011

Appellate Court Issues Stay in Seneca Case
The temporary restraining order blocks the state from collecting taxes on cigarettes sold only by the Seneca Indian Nation.
Posted Jun 13, 2011

Harbor Wholesale Grocery Drops ‘Grocery’ in Favor of ‘Foods’
The name change better reflects the company's role as a major food distributor.
Posted Jun 13, 2011

NCR Places 800 Blockbuster Express Kiosks at Food Lion Locations
Customers can enjoy their first $1-a-night movie rental at Blockbuster Express at Food Lion stores at no cost.
Posted Jun 13, 2011

Mobile Grocer Helps Bridge “Food Desert” Gap
Converted beer trailers are providing fresh food items to New Mexico communities that lack easy access to grocery stores.
Posted Jun 10, 2011

Oregon Revamps Bottle Bill
Gov. Kitzhaber has signed into law a vast expansion of the state’s bottle bill, ending more than four years of negotiations.
Posted Jun 10, 2011

New York Judge Rules Against Seneca Indian Nation
NYACS hails the ruling and urges the administration to immediately begin pre-collecting cigarette taxes sold by wholesale distributors to tribal enterprises.
Posted Jun 9, 2011

Popularity of Retail Clinics Soars
The lower-cost alternative to doctor’s offices is dotting the retail landscape.
Posted Jun 9, 2011

Wisconsin Proposes Alcohol Time Change
The two-hour time change would make it more convenient for campers and third-shift workers to purchase alcohol at grocery and convenience stores.
Posted Jun 8, 2011

California Zip Code Bill Heads to State Senate
A bill would allow California motor fuels retailers to continue collecting zip codes from customers who pay by credit card.
Posted Jun 7, 2011

QSR Jobs in Higher Demand
Increased job demand is making the QSR talent pool stronger and more competitive.
Posted Jun 7, 2011

Kentucky Lottery Projects Record Sales
Record-setting sales could reach $813 million next fiscal year, up sharply from the projected $774 million in sales.
Posted Jun 7, 2011

Irving Oil Launches Free Gas Promotion
The company’s rewards program offers customers gas savings and chance to win free gas for a year.
Posted Jun 2, 2011

New Jersey Considers Online Lottery Sales
Opponents say the move would harm small businesses, such as convenience stores, that sell lottery tickets.
Posted Jun 1, 2011

Kroger Co. Offers Fuel Discount Program to More Markets
The supermarket chain increases the number of stores giving a discount by three-fold.
Posted Jun 1, 2011

7-Eleven Flying High
The convenience retailer lands its first airport store inside a secured area.
Posted May 27, 2011

Mobile Payment Company Square Continues to Make News
Company releases two new apps that threaten to “make cash registers all but obsolete,” writes Geek.com.
Posted May 26, 2011

NY Lawmakers Push Wine in Grocery Stores Again
On Monday, the legislative sponsors held a roundtable discussion on the issue.
Posted May 25, 2011

Some Tobacco Firms Discouraged With FDA Regulatory Authority
The industry has expressed its disappointment with how the agency has handled its oversight of tobacco products.
Posted May 25, 2011

Tobacco Store Guides Customers in Rolling Their Own
Tightwad Tobacco in Pennsylvania and Florida has found a money-saving loophole in federal law that allows customers to receive nearly a carton of cigarettes for $25.
Posted May 23, 2011

Subway Unveils LEED-Certified Stores In North Carolina
The environmentally friendly restaurants include recycled flooring, Energy Star-rated HVAC systems, low flow and flush fixtures in restrooms and more natural light.
Posted May 23, 2011

Maine C-Store Adds U-Haul Services
Now movers can fill up a U-Haul with their belongings as well as fill up on fuel and in-store merchandise.
Posted May 23, 2011

More Tribes Make Own Cigarettes
In New York, one tribal smoke shop has three-quarters of its inventory in the less expensive, Indian-made cigarettes.
Posted May 20, 2011

Who Can Apply for SBA Disaster Loans?
The SBA provides loans that total up to $2 million for businesses impacted by a disaster.
Posted May 18, 2011

Texas Lawmakers Persistent on Smoking Ban
Texas lawmakers say the fight to ban smoking in restaurants, bars, and most public places is still alive.
Posted May 18, 2011

One-Stop Alcohol Shopping Proposed in Pennsylvania
A proposed bill would allow wine, spirits to be sold at beer distributors.
Posted May 17, 2011

Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Lowering Cigarette Taxes
Bill seeks to trim one dollar from the state’s cigarette pack tax.
Posted May 17, 2011

Arkansas Supermarkets Sell Lottery Tickets
Lottery officials have 100 vending machines ready for distribution.
Posted May 17, 2011

Opinion: Illinois Cigarette Tax Could Lead to Smuggling
A recent study suggests that a $1 per pack increase could result in rampant, large-scale cigarette smuggling.
Posted May 16, 2011

Illinois Senate to Consider Soda Tax Increase
The proposal would add another penny per ounce for sweetened beverages, including soft drinks, coffee drinks and sweet iced tea.
Posted May 13, 2011

‘Bath Salt’ Drugs Return to Louisiana Shelves
The governor had signed a temporary ban on the products but manufacturers slightly changed the chemical composition to get around the restriction.
Posted May 13, 2011

Consumer Survey Spotlights Growing Concerns Over Gas, Food Prices
Americans remain “deeply concerned” about the cost of filling up.
Posted May 11, 2011

WA Lawmakers Seek to Ease Smoking Ban
Washington lawmakers are considering allowing cigar and pipe smoking for a limited number of tobacco retailers.
Posted May 10, 2011

Tennessee Town Seeks Ban on Bath Salts
The products, sold at convenience stores, are increasingly coming under fire as illegal substances because of their drug-like effects.
Posted May 9, 2011

Oregon House Approves Expanded Bottle Bill
The proposal would add more types of glass, plastic and metal beverage containers to the list.
Posted May 6, 2011

Texas House Slashes Loose-Leaf Tobacco Tax
The lawmakers reduced the tax on loose-leaf tobacco from $1.13 per ounce to 80 cents.
Posted May 6, 2011

Will a Task Force Change Oklahoma Liquor Laws?
The legislature will likely pass a measure forming a task force, which could lead to expanding liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores.
Posted May 6, 2011

Vermont Convenience Stores Embrace Health
The state has launched a “Fit and Health” campaign that would give assistance to small stores in promoting healthier products.
Posted May 6, 2011

Supervalu, Coinstar Ink New Agreement
The grocery store and the coin counter have hatched a pilot program that pairs free coins-to-cash conversion to the supermarket’s gift card option.
Posted May 6, 2011

Discount Supermarkets Grow in Popularity
With the economy still struggling, grocery stores offering low-cost merchandise are thriving.
Posted May 4, 2011

Drugstores Offer More at In-Store Clinics
CVS, RiteAid and Walgreens are increasing their health-service options.
Posted May 4, 2011

Pepsi Launches ‘Social’ Vending Machines
Interactive machines feature a keyboard that allows consumers to purchase a drink for a friend while they are getting one for themselves.
Posted May 3, 2011

Colorado House Committee Advances Low-Strength Beer Measure
The Senate bill would let restaurants, breweries and bars sell low-strength beer.
Posted May 2, 2011

Kum & Go Contributes $10,000 to American Red Cross
The donation will benefit Arkansas residents hit by recent tornados and other storms.
Posted May 2, 2011

Opinion: Ban Menthol Cigarettes
In the Washington Post, two health experts advocate for taking menthol cigarettes off the market.
Posted May 2, 2011

New York City Antismoking Posters Stay Up Despite Law Reversal
Months ago, a federal judge struck down a New York City law that made tobacco retailers selling post graphic posters, but some stores didn’t get the news.
Posted Apr 29, 2011

7-Eleven Acquires Wilson Farms
This agreement expands the western New York presence of 7-Eleven.
Posted Apr 29, 2011

Maine Bill Would Hike Cigarette Tax by $1.50
In nearby New Hampshire, the Senate tabled a measure that would have slashed its cigarette tax by a dime.
Posted Apr 29, 2011

Thorntons Partners With Make-A-Wish Foundation
All locations will sell Wish Stars for $1 to raise funds for the nonprofit.
Posted Apr 28, 2011

Walmart Tests Home Delivery of Groceries
Walmart launches a test program delivering fresh produce and meat.
Posted Apr 26, 2011

Vermont Senate Agrees to Cigarette Tax Hike
Just one day after rejecting a $1 a pack cigarette tax increase, Vermont lawmakers agree to a 53 cents per pack hike.
Posted Apr 26, 2011

CDC: Every State Will Have a Smoking Ban
The government agency says that the number of states with smoking bans went from zero in 2000 to 26 in 2010.
Posted Apr 25, 2011

California Committee to Hold Hearing on Soda Tax
The bill would add a penny-per-ounce tax on soft drinks and sweetened beverages.
Posted Apr 22, 2011

McDonald’s Inundated by Job Seekers
Thousands show up to apply for "McJobs."
Posted Apr 21, 2011

Cigarette Smuggling Increases
More violent criminal gangs and drug traffickers are turning to illegal smokes as a reliable moneymaker.
Posted Apr 20, 2011

Discussion Over Lowering N.H. Tobacco Tax Continues
Last month, the House voted to slash the tobacco tax, but the Senate...
Posted Apr 20, 2011

New York Might Consider Restricting Sales of 'Alcopops' to Liquor Stores
A Senate committee held a hearing last week on requiring all fruit-flavored beverages with more than 6 percent alcohol and 1 percent sugar to be only available in liquor stores.
Posted Apr 20, 2011

Illinois Cracks Down on Cigarette Sales to Minors
Sales of cigarettes to minors have plunged since 1994, when Illinois first began its crackdown.
Posted Apr 19, 2011

N.J. Aims to Ease Liquor Laws
A series of proposals would dramatically change New Jersey’s alcohol laws, with supporters maintaining the changes would create jobs and boost tax revenues.
Posted Apr 19, 2011

Georgia Bill to Allow Sales of Alcohol on Sundays Goes to Governor
Under the legislation, local communities will be able to vote on letting stores sell liquor on Sundays.
Posted Apr 18, 2011

Cigarette Machine Case Heard by NH Supreme Court
The state high court is considering what exactly is a cigarette.
Posted Apr 18, 2011

House Committee Squashes Tennessee Wine Bill
The effort to let grocery and convenience stores sell wine was defeated for the fourth consecutive year.
Posted Apr 18, 2011

RWJ Management Company Supports Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Research
The owner and operator of Chicago-area BP ampm convenience stores has started a three-month fundraising effort.
Posted Apr 18, 2011

N.C. Lawmakers Consider Tax Stamp Revival
$1 million in annual excise tax revenue could be gained by reviving the stamp, which hasn't been used since 1993.
Posted Apr 15, 2011

City Orders Removal of Outdoor Redbox Machines
The rental kiosks are in violation of existing 7-Eleven special use permits.
Posted Apr 14, 2011

Colorado House Crushes Full-Strength Beer Legislation
The bill that would have allowed convenience and grocery stores to stock full-strength beer dies in the House.
Posted Apr 13, 2011

Maryland Passes Alcohol Tax Hike
The sales tax on alcohol will bump up from 6 percent to 9 percent starting July 1.
Posted Apr 13, 2011

Tennessee To Consider Taxing Sweetened Drinks
The General Assembly will tackle the issue during the summer.
Posted Apr 13, 2011

Utah Official Proposes Gas Station Beer Ban
The Utah Food Industry Association counters that there is no data that links beer sales at convenience stores as increasing drunk driving rates.
Posted Apr 12, 2011

Small Stores Struggling to Compete With Modern C-Stores
Sheetz, GetGo, and Wawa mentioned as cutting edge c-stores that move far beyond notions of traditional convenience store retailing.
Posted Apr 12, 2011

Oil Price Increase Leads to Higher Food Costs
Rising costs for oil, raw farm products and labor are pushing food costs higher.
Posted Apr 12, 2011

Do You Have the Best Restroom?
There’s still time to submit your restroom as the best in American through Cintas Corporation’s Best Restroom competition.
Posted Apr 11, 2011

Walmart Might Test E-Grocery Delivery Service
The retailer hasn’t committed yet, but is said to have plans to test grocery delivery in California.
Posted Apr 5, 2011

Kangaroo Express Partners With Coca-Cola for Kids at Kyle Petty's Victory Junction
The five-week fundraiser stretches across three states as more than 700 stores work together to sponsor campers.
Posted Apr 4, 2011

Sheetz Loses Interest in Wine Kiosks
Initial interest has faded due to in-store space concerns and the current structure of the PLCB’s program.
Posted Apr 1, 2011

Cigar Shops Are Fuming Over Nebraska’s Tobacco Tax Proposal
The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association says a 225% cigarette and smokeless tobacco excise tax increase would hurt the state economy and cost jobs.
Posted Apr 1, 2011

Michigan Bids Adieu to Price Tags
Come September 1, there will be no more stickers for retail items that carry individual price tags.
Posted Apr 1, 2011

New York Convenience Store Industry Wins Tobacco Fee Rollback Battle
The tobacco registration fee would have increased from $100 per store per year up to $5,000.
Posted Mar 31, 2011

Aloha! Hawaii Takes Another Look at a Soda Tax
Senate Health Committee hears from a panel of experts discussing the effects of sweetened beverages.
Posted Mar 31, 2011

Whole Foods Gets Behind the Bar
The upscale grocer is testing bars inside the store that sell craft beers and local wines.
Posted Mar 30, 2011

And the Winners Are...
An upstate New York convenience store sold the winning $319 million Mega Millions lottery ticket.
Posted Mar 30, 2011

Oregon Reignites Tobacco Tax Debate
The House Revenue Committee will hold a second hearing on the subject Tuesday.
Posted Mar 28, 2011

Colorado House to Finally Vote on Beer Proposal
A House committee okayed a proposal that would let convenience stores stock full-strength beer.
Posted Mar 28, 2011

Nice N Easy Becoming Known for Groceries
The convenience store chain wants to bring foodstuffs to underserved areas.
Posted Mar 28, 2011

Highlights of Walgreen’s Success
Convenience is a major asset of the drug store chain, which has 8,000 locations and a firm footing in urban areas.
Posted Mar 24, 2011

Hanging Out at the Supermarket
Grocery stores add dinner, drinks and music to the menu.
Posted Mar 23, 2011

Dollar Stores Recharging to Keep Sales Strong
Dollar stores look to retain affluent customers even as the economy improves by expanding their product lines and renovating stores.
Posted Mar 22, 2011

NH House Votes to Slash Cigarette Tax
The lawmakers hope the move will boost sales of cigarettes, lottery tickets, liquor and other convenience store products.
Posted Mar 21, 2011

NJ Bill Would Prohibit Sale of ‘Bath Salts’
The synthetic compound is being used as a drug.
Posted Mar 21, 2011

MN Senators Want to Treat Mini-Cigars as Cigarettes
The state lawmakers would like to reclassify the little cigars to tax them as cigarettes.
Posted Mar 21, 2011

Stores Offer Paperless Receipts
Some brick-and-mortar retailers give customers the option of having their receipts e-mailed.
Posted Mar 21, 2011

Washington State Lawmakers Examine Tribal Gas Tax Refunds
Republicans want the controversial agreements revisited as the issue could appear before the state Supreme Court soon.
Posted Mar 21, 2011

Jack in the Box Hits the Road
The quick-service chain launched its first mobile food truck this week in Southern California.
Posted Mar 18, 2011

Illinois Senate Considers $1 Per Pack Cigarette Tax Increase
Money would be allocated to road construction projects this spring and summer.
Posted Mar 17, 2011

Legislation Filed to Let Colorado C-Stores Carry Full-Strength Beer
The proposal is the latest to try to change a decades-old law.
Posted Mar 16, 2011

North Carolina Proposes $1 Cigarette Tax Hike
The aim of the bill is not to raise money but to curb teen smoking, say the sponsors.
Posted Mar 16, 2011

Number of Teens Smoking Menthol Cigarettes Climbs
New data found that menthol cigarette use among minority young people is "very high."
Posted Mar 16, 2011

Milk Prices May Stabilize, Cheese Prices Skyrocket
Cheese production in the United States will rise 1.7 percent in 2011.
Posted Mar 16, 2011

SF Sued by Safeway Over Tobacco Sales Ban
The supermarket chain claims that the law that prohibits stores with pharmacies from selling tobacco products is “arbitrary and capricious.”
Posted Mar 14, 2011

Rhode Island Debates Taxing Soft Drinks
A state lawmaker has sponsored a bill that would institute a new tax on sweetened soda.
Posted Mar 11, 2011

W.Va. Legislature Lowers Food Tax
The food tax will be reduced by a penny starting January 1, 2012.
Posted Mar 11, 2011

Colorado House Convenes Special Hearing On Beer Sale Reversal
The governor intervened suddenly on the issue of low-strength beer sales.
Posted Mar 9, 2011

Texas Considers Soda Tax to Fight Childhood Obesity
The Legislature is debating a penny-per-ounce tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages sold in retail stores.
Posted Mar 9, 2011

Declining Indiana Gas Tax Revenue Leads to Shrinking Budgets
Some state officials have suggested opening discussions about raising the state's 18-cents-per-gallon gas tax.
Posted Mar 8, 2011

Restaurant, Retail Chains Plan for Growth
A new report details how stores and restaurants will increase their presence this year.
Posted Mar 7, 2011

Missouri Senate Will Talk About Lottery Privatization
The state lottery is currently gathering opinions from state vendors on turning over the lottery’s control to a private company.
Posted Mar 7, 2011

Pot-Laced Cookies Sold at Convenience Stores
Children are sickened after eating cookies and brownies laced with medical marijuana. Also, doctors warn against “relaxation” brownies.
Posted Mar 4, 2011

Big Store in a Little Box
Large retailers like Best Buy are shrinking their footprint while others like Home Depot are leasing their parking lots to fast-food chains and auto repair shops.
Posted Mar 4, 2011

FDA Panel Finds Menthol Cigarettes Don’t Increase Risk of Disease
However, the committee’s draft report did find that the flavoring could make smoking more palatable to young smokers.
Posted Mar 2, 2011

Spice and K2 Under Federal Control and Regulation
The DEA will study whether to permanently control the five substances.
Posted Mar 2, 2011

OK Legislature Puts Off Changing Alcohol Laws
The lawmakers are creating a task force to study letting grocery and convenience stores sell full-strength beer and wine.
Posted Mar 2, 2011

KS Senate Committee Endorses Liquor Sales at Convenience Stores
The bill would allow supermarkets and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer, liquor and wine.
Posted Feb 28, 2011

Consumer Discounts Rolling Out Across the Country
Emboldened by the Durbin amendment, retailers are finding new ways to save on card fees and pass those savings along to customers.
Posted Feb 25, 2011

'What's Hot' in Franchising
Healthier foodservice concepts are making impressive headway, as well as ethnic foods and environmentally friendly franchisors.
Posted Feb 25, 2011

Wegmans Freezes Prices on Many Food Items
Supermarket chain freezes prices for one year on 40 food staples.
Posted Feb 24, 2011

NYC Mayor Signs Outdoor Smoking Ban Bill
The prohibition outlaws lighting up in close to 1,700 parks and 14 miles of boardwalks, marinas, pedestrian plazas and public beaches.
Posted Feb 23, 2011

Campbell Soup Focuses on Childhood Obesity
The soup maker has launched a program to lower obesity and hunger rates in its hometown.
Posted Feb 21, 2011

Colorado Bill Allowing Restaurants to Sell Low Alcohol Beer Progresses
A Senate committee voted to let restaurants and other liquor license holders to sell the beer for on-premises consumption.
Posted Feb 21, 2011

Kansas Senate Considers Full-Strength Beer Sales
A committee held hearings on a bill that would let convenience and grocery stores sell full-strength beer.
Posted Feb 21, 2011

Washington State Considers Allowing Cigar Smoking in Shops
While the state has had an indoor smoking ban since 2005, the change would let customers light up cigars in cigar stores.
Posted Feb 21, 2011

Virginia Legislature Kills Gas Tax Bills
The state’s gasoline tax has remained unchanged since 1986.
Posted Feb 18, 2011

Initiative Brings Healthy Food to Convenience Stores
Convenience stores located in so-called “food deserts” are getting some assistance in offering fresh food.
Posted Feb 16, 2011

VT Group Seeks To Expand Bottle Bill
The Vermont Public Interest Research Group is fighting to expand Vermont's bottle deposit law to include water, tea, and non-carbonated beverages.
Posted Feb 15, 2011

Three People Busted for Seinfeld-Like Bottle Return Scam
Maine says fraud costs up to $10 million a year.
Posted Feb 15, 2011

Court Ruling Nixes ZIP Code Request by Retailers
The California Supreme Court unanimously ruled that stores cannot ask customers for their ZIP codes at the cash register.
Posted Feb 14, 2011

W.Va. Lawmakers Consider $1 Cigarette Tax Hike
The increase could generate up to $160 million in revenue.
Posted Feb 14, 2011

Chargebacks Hurt Small Businesses
The practice of reversing credit card transactions when a customer disputes the charge creates headaches for retailers.
Posted Feb 14, 2011

Proponents Again Push Sale of Wine in NY Supermarkets
However, the governor does not have such a proposal in his budget.
Posted Feb 14, 2011

WA Gas Stations Sue Over Indian Tax Breaks
Gas station owners claim Indian tribes received fuel tax refunds that were unlawfully paid.
Posted Feb 10, 2011

Ordinance Proposal Has Store Owners Smoking Mad
Tobacco shop owners say the proposal would severely impact business.
Posted Feb 10, 2011

Progress Report on “Let’s Move!”
The anti-obesity campaign launched last year by the First Lady has had some successes, but more still remains to be accomplished.
Posted Feb 9, 2011

Washington Lawmakers Consider Bill to Outlaw Flavored Tobacco Products
Meanwhile, roll-your-own tobacco stores in the state boast a brisk business.
Posted Feb 9, 2011

Puerto Rico Transforms Retail Receipts Into Lottery Tickets
The commonwealth’s Treasury Department is expanding a pilot program in an effort to get small retailers to collect sales tax.
Posted Feb 9, 2011

SpeedWay Raises $5.6 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Also this month, Jiffy Mart teams with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help “boot” cancer.
Posted Feb 9, 2011

Walmart Plots Strong Comeback
After losing market share to dollar stores, Target, and warehouse clubs, Walmart is fighting back.
Posted Feb 8, 2011

Obama: U.S. to be 'Best' for Business
In his weekly radio address, President Obama emphasizes his administration's commitment of fostering business growth.
Posted Feb 8, 2011

State’s Tax on Native Cigarettes in Budget
Governor Cuomo counting on $130 million in revenue derived from Native-sold cigarettes.
Posted Feb 8, 2011

Virginia to Ask for U.S. Supreme Court Expedited Review of Health-Care Law
The U.S. Department of Justice opposes the motion, preferring that the case be heard fully in lower courts first.
Posted Feb 7, 2011

DOJ Asks for Tobacco Warning Statements to be Released
The Justice Department wants a federal judge to publish the proposed government statements about tobacco dangers.
Posted Feb 7, 2011

Online Tobacco Sites Sued by NY Attorney General
The attorney general claims six Internet sites violate state law forbidding the online sale of tobacco products to New York residents.
Posted Feb 7, 2011

Study: D.C. Tax on Plastic Bags Equals Job Losses
The study also found that the tax would cause a more than $100,000 loss in sales tax revenue.
Posted Feb 7, 2011

Virginia Legislators Vote Down Bag Tax
Unlike their D.C. neighbor, Virginians won’t have to fork over extra change for a plastic bag.
Posted Feb 4, 2011

Wyoming House OKs Lottery Bill
Proposal must pass two additional House votes before being sent to the Senate for review.
Posted Feb 3, 2011

Meijer Opens Online Grocery Store
The supermarket chain has started selling groceries directly to customers.
Posted Feb 2, 2011

Congressional Committees Take Aim at SBA Programs
The SBA “could look considerably leaner in the coming months” if legislators have their way, who are searching to remove costly, ineffective programs.
Posted Feb 1, 2011

Santa Monica Approves Ban on Plastic Bags
The council prohibits distribution of single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and retailers, but will allow restaurants to continue giving out the bags.
Posted Jan 31, 2011

Sheetz Makes International Film Debut
The convenience retailer is featured at the Sundance Film Festival in Morgan Spurlock's New Movie, “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.”
Posted Jan 28, 2011

Walmart Asks Suppliers for Rock-Bottom Pricing
Walmart has begun aggressively requesting suppliers for "opening price point" goods.
Posted Jan 27, 2011

McDonald’s Probably Will Hike Prices
The fast-food chain will increase the price of some menu items because of rising beef costs, among other food price increases.
Posted Jan 26, 2011

Driving Sales
Cumberland Farms tests a grocery store drive-thru concept.
Posted Jan 26, 2011

Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling Initiative Launched
“Nutrition Icon” program to be supported by consumer education campaign.
Posted Jan 25, 2011

Oregon Considers Plastic Bag Ban Again
Across the country, West Virginia delegates will soon propose a nickel tax on plastic bags.
Posted Jan 24, 2011

Proponents of Wine in Tennessee Groceries, Convenience Stores Try Again
The supporters say the issue has gained enough traction that passage is likely this year.
Posted Jan 24, 2011

OFM Kicks Off ‘New Year, New Office’ Contest for Small Businesses
Contestants can enter to win an office makeover by submitting a photo and short paragraph.
Posted Jan 24, 2011

Kansas Retail Groups Form Coalition for Jobs and Consumer Choice
Coalition says common sense reform on the sale of beer, wine and spirits would bring jobs and revenue to Kansas — without raising taxes.
Posted Jan 21, 2011

NC Governor Rejects Privatization of Liquor
Perdue says she doesn't want to be the governor that puts liquor in convenience stores.
Posted Jan 21, 2011

Large Retailers Stock More Groceries
Walgreens, Target and CVS/Pharmacy shift focus away from dry goods to fresh produce.
Posted Jan 19, 2011

Virginia to Consider 20-Cent Plastic Bag Tax
The proposal would encompass plastic bags used at grocery and convenience stores.
Posted Jan 17, 2011

Indiana to Propose Statewide Smoking Ban With Casino Exemption
House legislators will allow smoking in casinos in order to preserve the state’s revenue from gambling taxes.
Posted Jan 17, 2011

Walgreens Focuses on “Food Deserts”
The drug-store chain is vying to become a destination for healthy foods and healthy living.
Posted Jan 14, 2011

Franchise Businesses Poised for 2011 Growth
A new IFA study found that franchise establishments are expected to add nearly 20,000 new sites this year.
Posted Jan 14, 2011

Missouri Cigarette Tax Lowest in Nation
And lawmakers intend to keep it that way, even though the state is facing a potential $600 million budget shortfall next year.
Posted Jan 13, 2011

Tobacco Makers Urge Federal Panel to Not Ban Menthol Cigarettes
This week, the FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee held a two-day meeting on the topic.
Posted Jan 12, 2011

Kangaroo Express Connects Family, Friends to U.S. Military Overseas
The convenience store chain sponsors the Indy 500 Centennial Tour.
Posted Jan 12, 2011

FDA Warns Stores for Selling Cigarettes to Minors
Mississippi convenience stores warned after illegal sales discovered; FDA actively using new powers to regulate tobacco sales.
Posted Jan 11, 2011

Idaho Lawmaker to Propose $1.25 Cigarette Tax Hike
Measure is expected to meet with stiff resistance by the Idaho legislature.
Posted Jan 11, 2011

Buffalo Lawmakers Work to Restrict Tobacco Sales
City may get aid to curb tobacco; fund planned to help fight legal challenges.
Posted Jan 11, 2011

Kentucky Considers Statewide Smoking Ban
The bill covers all indoor workplaces and public areas, such as shopping centers, bars and restaurants.
Posted Jan 10, 2011

Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Recycled Into Ethanol
A Virginia company has found a way to turn the beverages into automobile fuel.
Posted Jan 10, 2011

Supermarkets Feel the Squeeze
Discount chains and upscale markets are pressuring traditional grocery stores to change their ways.
Posted Jan 10, 2011

California Law Allows More Alcohol Tastings
Tastings can now be held in temporary tasting areas, a relaxation of the previous law that required a permanent, dedicated space.
Posted Jan 6, 2011

Maryland Alcohol Tax Hike Proposal Gains Momentum
Proponents seek to allocate increased revenue to health care services and anti-drinking programs.
Posted Jan 6, 2011

Nebraska Senator to Introduce Cigarette Tax Hike Bill
Bill's aim is to discourage smoking while using the expected extra revenue to help fund state health-care programs.
Posted Jan 6, 2011

Star Scientific Wants New Designation its New Smokeless Tobacco
The tobacco manufacturer will ask the FDA to approve its Stonewall Moist-BDL as being less harmful than other tobacco forms.
Posted Jan 5, 2011

Judge Strikes Down NYC Law Regarding Antismoking Placards
The ruling stops the city’s requirement to have convenience stores show images of diseased brains, lungs and teeth to discourage tobacco purchases.
Posted Jan 3, 2011

Vermont Group Pushes for Soda Tax
The Alliance for a Healthier Vermont has started lobbying for a 1-cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
Posted Jan 3, 2011

Supporters Want to Expand Massachusetts Bottle Bill
The proposal would increase the bottle categories and up the handling fee to 3 cents per bottle.
Posted Jan 3, 2011

Appeals Court Reinstates ‘Light’ Lawsuit
The judges decided that the suit can move on as a class-action claim.
Posted Jan 3, 2011

Geo. H. Green Oil Company Raises $24,000 for Charity
The nonprofits receiving the money include the Empty Stocking Fund, Welcome House and In His Great Name Ministry.
Posted Dec 30, 2010

Holiday Retail Sales Increase Five Percent
Pent-up consumer demand increases sales across nearly every category.
Posted Dec 29, 2010

Montana Microbrewers Seeking Later Serving Hours
State senator poses his bill as one that would promote local jobs and stimulate the economy.
Posted Dec 28, 2010

Michigan Restaurants Plan New Year’s Eve Protest Over Smoking Ban
The retailers contradict the state’s assertion that the ban hasn't harmed business.
Posted Dec 27, 2010

Michigan Restaurant Lottery, Liquor Sales Drop After Smoking Ban
The state says it’s too soon to know whether the trend will continue.
Posted Dec 22, 2010

Food Stamp Usage Soars
The latest figures show that one out of seven U.S. residents receive food stamps.
Posted Dec 22, 2010

Gift Cards for Charity
Recipients can donate funds on a gift card to various nonprofits.
Posted Dec 22, 2010

Blockbuster Kiosks Wait for New DVD Releases to Trim Costs
Blockbuster joins Redbox in waiting a month to receive Warner Home Video films, saving on acquisition costs.
Posted Dec 21, 2010

Motivating a Sales Team With Promises of Honolulu...or Fargo
Hot Tamales sales team misses annual goal, so instead of earning a trip to Hawaii, they spend a weekend in Fargo.
Posted Dec 21, 2010

Indiana to Consider Statewide Smoking Ban Next Year
Gov. Mitch Daniels says he supports such a prohibition.
Posted Dec 20, 2010

Oregon Crafts Plastic Bag Ban
A new proposal would charge shoppers five cents per paper bag if they don’t bring their own.
Posted Dec 20, 2010

N.C. Lottery Seeks to Overcome Feeble Sales
The lottery is projected to bring in $40 million less than anticipated.
Posted Dec 20, 2010

Speedway Employees "Heroes": CNN iReport
An Indiana store shelters dozens of stranded motorists for more than 14 hours during a recent snowstorm.
Posted Dec 16, 2010

NYC Sues Washington Tobacco Company
Mayor Bloomberg maintains the cigarettes were sold and distributed illegally in New York.
Posted Dec 16, 2010

King County, Wash., Considers E-Cig Ban
The King County Board of Health fears seeing people smoke electronic cigarettes could thwart enforcement of the statewide tobacco ban.
Posted Dec 15, 2010

More Americans Eschew Credit Cards for Debit Cards
Retailers are waiting to see what card issuers will do to recoup the loss of credit-card revenue.
Posted Dec 15, 2010

NY Appeals Court Won't Lift Block On Cigarette Tax
Appeals court rules that for now, New York state cannot collect cigarette taxes sold by Indian retailers to non-Indian customers.
Posted Dec 14, 2010

Long Beach Moves to Ban Plastic Bags
Ordinance would also impose a 10-cent fee on paper bags.
Posted Dec 10, 2010

Small Businesses Continue to Support Charities
The goodwill gained from giving funds or in-kind supplies helps communities and the business.
Posted Dec 8, 2010

Groupon Launches New Features to Give Retailers More Control on Offers
Now retailers can have online storefronts to market their deals.
Posted Dec 8, 2010

E-Cigarettes Can’t Be Regulated as Drug
The FDA lost its appeal in seeking authority to control electronic cigarettes as a drug, but the agency still can regulate it as a tobacco product.
Posted Dec 8, 2010

Incoming Colorado Governor Likes Status Quo on Liquor Laws
John Hickenlooper sees no reason to alter the state’s alcohol regulations, which could spell defeat for grocery and convenience stores trying for the fourth time to sell more than low-alcohol beer.
Posted Dec 7, 2010

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Allows Wegmans to Sell Beer
The supermarket chain can keep its liquor license in five locations that have in-store restaurants.
Posted Dec 7, 2010

Study: Hiking Starting Wage Doesn’t Eliminate Jobs
The authors looked specifically at restaurant employees but say their findings could be applied to other industries.
Posted Dec 6, 2010

Bring on the Spending
American consumers are showing new interest in spending money with positive results seen recently in retail and housing data.
Posted Dec 6, 2010

Delaware Recycling Law Goes Into Effect
The recycling law replaces the state’s bottle deposit law.
Posted Dec 6, 2010

DEA Moves to Control Synthetic Marijuana
The chemicals used to make “fake pot” are including in brands such as Spice, K2, Blaze and Red Dawn.
Posted Dec 3, 2010

Los Angeles County Plastic Bag Ban Applied Unevenly
Supermarkets, drug stores and convenience stores will not be able to give out plastic bags but food trucks and big-box retailers and other businesses can continue to do so.
Posted Dec 1, 2010

Jiffy Mart Raises $3,000 for Carroll Hospital Center
The donation was part of the Pump Up the Health in Carroll County campaign.
Posted Dec 1, 2010

Virginia to Consider ‘Spice’ Ban
A bill filed for next year’s General Assembly would prohibit the use and sale of synthetic marijuana.
Posted Dec 1, 2010

Rutter’s Breaks Ground for New Store
New 5,200-square foot store is expected to open in the spring of 2011.
Posted Nov 30, 2010

Colorado Bars, Restaurants Face Low-Alcohol Beer Restrictions
The restriction follows a three-year battle between liquor stores and convenience stores over the right to sell full-strength beer.
Posted Nov 30, 2010

New York's Cigarette Tax Hike Hurting Stores
Some chains are cutting jobs and scaling back on investments.
Posted Nov 30, 2010

Black Friday Retail Sales Up Slightly
Retail spending at U.S. stores increased 0.3 percent this year to $10.69 billion on Black Friday, compared with $10.66 billion last year.
Posted Nov 30, 2010

Tops to Open First Freestanding Convenience Store
The store will be situated near a current Tops fuel station.
Posted Nov 24, 2010

SBA Provides Help with Overseas Expansions
Commerce, SBA launch new online tool to help small businesses begin exporting.
Posted Nov 23, 2010

North Carolina Creates Plan for Removing Alcoholic Energy Drinks
In the wake of the FDA’s warning letters, some fans of Four Loko and other caffeinated alcoholic beverages are stockpiling the drinks.
Posted Nov 22, 2010

Sundays No Longer Blue
Alcohol sale restrictions on Sundays have been eased in many localities as states and communities seek ways to bring in more revenue.
Posted Nov 22, 2010

Publix Will Not Toss Reusable Bags
Despite a claim of lead content, the grocery store chain now says it will keep using those bags.
Posted Nov 22, 2010

Canadian Government Applauded for Focusing on Contraband Tobacco
NCACT welcomes Health Canada's expertise and resources to aid in the fight against contraband tobacco.
Posted Nov 19, 2010

Year-End Tax Tips
Five tips that could save you money before 2010 comes to a close.
Posted Nov 19, 2010

San Jose Considers Tobacco Licensing Ordinance
The proposal would require retailers to place tobacco products out of public view.
Posted Nov 17, 2010

Consumers’ Reliance on Credit Cards for Holiday Purchases Lowest Since 2002
This holiday season, debit cards and cash will be the most popular ways to pay for gifts.
Posted Nov 17, 2010

Walmart, Sears to Stay Open on Thanksgiving
Retailers to remain open Thanksgiving Day, gaining a head start on holiday season sales.
Posted Nov 16, 2010

Tobacco Warnings Could Trigger First Amendment Lawsuits
Tobacco companies vow to fight warning labels.
Posted Nov 15, 2010

Donating at Checkout
Some customers like the option of giving while paying for groceries, but some find it intrusive.
Posted Nov 15, 2010

NLRB Weighs In on Facebook Employee Firing
The attention that social networking websites such as Facebook have received in recent years makes this case stand out.
Posted Nov 12, 2010

Thorntons Joins Forces With American Red Cross
Thorntons and the Red Cross are providing 100 bicycles for low-income soldiers and their families this holiday season.
Posted Nov 12, 2010

New York Cigarette Tax Hurts Sales
But that doesn’t mean smokers are quitting — they’re just going to neighboring states with lower tax rates.
Posted Nov 12, 2010

Revised: New Cigarette Warnings Unveiled
Beginning in 2012, cigarette packs will be required to have more prominent and graphic health warnings.
Posted Nov 11, 2010

Sheetz Offers Rewards Debit Card
Shoppers using the card for purchases at Sheetz locations will earn gasoline discounts and cash-back for purchases at other retailers.
Posted Nov 11, 2010

Professor Drops 27 Pounds on Twinkie Diet
Mark Haub has eaten a “convenience store diet” for the past 10 weeks.
Posted Nov 10, 2010

Canadian Grocery Stores Shrink
Up North, a new trend is emerging: smaller supermarkets that cater to retirees and urbanites.
Posted Nov 10, 2010

U.S. Retailers Bring Sales Offers Forward
Major retailers kick off holiday promotions three weeks early this year.
Posted Nov 9, 2010

Obama Suggests Working on 1099 Revisions
The president reaches out to Republicans to fix the onerous healthcare law filing provision.
Posted Nov 8, 2010

Michigan Kicks Caffeinated Alcoholic Drinks to Curb
The state has banned all such beverages, and other states and jurisdictions are considering restricting or eliminating sales, too.
Posted Nov 8, 2010

Starbucks Dumps Kraft
The coffeehouse chain takes back control of its coffee distribution in grocery stores.
Posted Nov 8, 2010

Some Atlantic Beach Officials Leery About C-Store Safety Measure
Atlantic Beach wants an upgraded safety measure for convenience stores, though not everyone is on board.
Posted Nov 4, 2010

Washington State Soda Taxes Eliminated
Passage brings an end to the state's newly imposed taxes on soda and candy.
Posted Nov 4, 2010

Trouble in Tabloid Paradise
The publisher of popular U.S. magazines like The National Enquirer will file for bankruptcy protection before Thanksgiving.
Posted Nov 3, 2010

Dunkin’ Donuts Shop Eschew Pennies
One doughnut store has posted a sign asking customers not to pay with the one-cent coin.
Posted Nov 3, 2010

Convenience on Auto Pilot
The West Coast receives its first full automated convenience store on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.
Posted Nov 3, 2010

Coinstar Shares Leap As Profits Exceed Estimates
Redbox parent is now seeking an "existing player" in digital downloads, an effort to compete with Netflix.
Posted Nov 2, 2010

White House Says 5,000 SBA Jobs Act Loans Have Been Approved
The Small Business Jobs Act has already supported nearly $3 billion in loans in just its first month, according to a White House blog.
Posted Nov 2, 2010

Another Grocer Partnership for Shell
Shell announced a new partnership with Ralphs Grocery Co. in the L.A. area.
Posted Oct 29, 2010

Trick, not Treat: Bank of America Deceives Customers with ‘Free’ Checking
Bank now admits free checking was never free; swipe fee regulations are not to blame.
Posted Oct 28, 2010

U.S. Retailers Address Bulging Stock
New technology enables retailers to tap into inventory from brick-and-mortar stores as it fulfills online orders.
Posted Oct 28, 2010

A Campaign to Revive Checks
In this day of electronic and plastic payments, can the checkbook make a comeback?
Posted Oct 27, 2010

Food Inflation Marks Smallest Increase Since 1992
The USDA predicts that next year will see retail food prices jump between 2 percent and 3 percent.
Posted Oct 27, 2010

Scammers Portray N.J. Lottery in Telephone Calls
The crooks ask for small ‘processing fees’ in order to hand over a big jackpot.
Posted Oct 27, 2010

Michigan Lottery Bill Would Block Welfare Recipients From Winning Big Prizes
The proposed measure would not allow someone receiving food stamps, Medicaid or welfare from receiving a lottery prize worth more than $600.
Posted Oct 25, 2010

Washington Cigarette Tax Drives Black Market Sales
The cost per pack is fueling a growing black market that surveillance shows taking place at a professional football game.
Posted Oct 22, 2010

Kroger and Shell Offer Savings at the Pump
Customers in the metro Atlanta and Northern Georgia areas can redeem their Fuel Points at Kroger Fuel Centers or participating Shell stations.
Posted Oct 22, 2010

Seattle Grocery Cashiers Complain About Putting Politics In Your Bag
Seattle grocery store chains have come under fire for their support of an initiative to allow Washington state food retailers to sell liquor.
Posted Oct 21, 2010

Gift Cards, Jewelry Head Holiday Gift Lists
A new survey found that people will spend a tad bit more this year on holiday-related shopping.
Posted Oct 20, 2010

Wine Kiosk Program Expanded
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has plans to place its Pronto Wine Kiosks in more supermarkets.
Posted Oct 20, 2010

Judge to Decide Virginia’s Health-Care Suit Soon
The judge said he will rule on whether Congress can control a person’s decision to forgo health insurance by the end of 2010.
Posted Oct 20, 2010

Taiwan 7-Eleven Competes With Travel Agencies
Taiwan travel agencies protest sale of air tickets at convenience stores.
Posted Oct 19, 2010

Target Redesigns More than 100 Stores
Redesign is part of a corporate strategy of delivering one-stop shopping convenience for consumers.
Posted Oct 19, 2010

Health-Care Lawsuit Advances
A federal judge rules that the case brought by 20 states against the new health-care law can continue.
Posted Oct 18, 2010

South Dakota Smoking Ban Debate Heats Up
Residents will consider a statewide smoking ban as a ballot issue in November.
Posted Oct 18, 2010

Florida Lottery to Add Hundreds of Vending Machines
Since August 2009, the Florida Lottery's instant ticket vending machines have sold about $170 million in tickets from 1,000 machines.
Posted Oct 12, 2010

Walmart Seeks Other Companies to Purchase Raw Materials Together
The retailer wants to get even better deals by teaming up with businesses on joint purchases.
Posted Oct 11, 2010

Convenience Stores Beating the Odds
“Staying the same is the new growth in light of the economy,” said NACS spokesperson Jeff Lenard in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article.
Posted Oct 5, 2010

Modification Dilutes Convenience Store Share of Liquor Licenses
As Virginia moves to privatize liquor sales, Gov. Bob McDonnell also revealed a plan to help convenience stores purchase licenses.
Posted Oct 4, 2010

W. Va. Convenience Stores Raise More than $200,000 For Charity
Members of the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association donated the funds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Posted Oct 4, 2010

Thousands Scammed by Fake Lotteries
One couples story of lottery fraud is replayed by a growing number of others.
Posted Oct 4, 2010

Grocers Hone In on Center Store Growth
New taskforce FMI members and manufacturers will promote the importance of the center store to total store performance.
Posted Oct 1, 2010

Indiana Retailers Finding Alcohol ID Law Challenging
State lawmakers are looking into changing the rules about buying alcohol.
Posted Sep 29, 2010

Federal Regulations Costly for Small Businesses
Because many costs are fixed, small businesses pay about a third more per employee than larger companies, reports the SBA.
Posted Sep 28, 2010

Visa Begins Contactless Card Tests in New York
Follows a pilot program by MasterCard that began in Los Angeles earlier this month.
Posted Sep 28, 2010

Triple S Petroleum Raises More Than $13,000 for MDA
The stores sell shamrocks each March to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Posted Sep 27, 2010

Jiffy Mart, Customers to Support Charities
During October, the convenience store chain will donate a nickel of every 16-ounce cup of coffee sold to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
Posted Sep 27, 2010

San Francisco Seeks Expansion of Tobacco Sales Ban
Plan would expand a current law that restricts drug stores from selling tobacco products to other retail outlets that have a pharmacy.
Posted Sep 24, 2010

Black Market Cigarettes Growing in U.S.
More police departments across the country are battling a new danger: contraband tobacco.
Posted Sep 23, 2010

Shopping on a Budget
Stores start to cater to low-end customers to boost sales.
Posted Sep 23, 2010

Couple Restores Tudor Revival Style Gasoline Station
The service station along famed Route 66 boasts an owner’s apartment and a tenant’s apartment on the second floor.
Posted Sep 23, 2010

NACS Reiterates Concerns About Eliminating Menthol Cigarettes
In a letter, NACS expressed its belief that such a ban would increase the contraband cigarette market.
Posted Sep 22, 2010

More Local Food Stamps Used at Convenience Stores
Those using food stamps have increased significantly because of the economy.
Posted Sep 22, 2010

MasterCard Adds Fees to NY Lottery Purchasers
The credit card company treated subscription buys of Lotto or Mega Million tickets like cash advances, which mean more fees.
Posted Sep 22, 2010

Walmart Gears Up for Small Convenience Stores
The big-box retailer is looking to jumpstart its growth by moving into smaller stores in urban markets.
Posted Sep 21, 2010

Sunoco to Concentrate on Convenience Store Shelves
The new plan could mean larger stores with more products on the shelves or more locations.
Posted Sep 20, 2010

Lung Association Wants Ohio to Double Cigarette Tax
The group says the Buckeye State could raise an additional $400 million.
Posted Sep 20, 2010

NYC Undercover Probe Reveals Illegal Cigarette Sales
Poospatuck reservation dealers sold more than four million cartons of untaxed cigarettes this year; video of the undercover investigation catches dealers making illegal sales.
Posted Sep 17, 2010

Indiana Package Stores Support Ban on Sales of Spice
The state association challenges retailers to remove and/or destroy stock.
Posted Sep 17, 2010

Small-Business Bill Goes Forward in Senate
The bill includes tax cuts and capital increases to small businesses.
Posted Sep 16, 2010

Shopping With Dietitians
Supermarkets are employing nutrition experts to help shoppers make in-store purchases.
Posted Sep 16, 2010

San Francisco Comes Closer to Tobacco Ban Expansion
The change would prohibit businesses with pharmacies to stop selling tobacco products.
Posted Sep 15, 2010

Brownsville, Texas, Bans Plastic Bags in Convenience, Grocery Stores
The city will let shoppers buy a plastic bag for $1 if they forget to bring their own.
Posted Sep 14, 2010

Retailers Split on Virginia’s Liquor Store Privatization Plan
Big-box stores like the governor’s proposal, while smaller independent stores aren’t too sure the plan will work for them.
Posted Sep 14, 2010

Opinion: Why Higher Taxes Don’t Deter Smokers
Ruminations on why raising cigarette taxes won’t mean significantly lower numbers of people who smoke.
Posted Sep 14, 2010

Chasing Away Loiterers With Noise
A Washington, D.C., mall installed a high-pitch noise deterrent to drive away teens who hang around the place.
Posted Sep 13, 2010

FDA Sends Warning to E-Cigarette Makers
The distributors of five electronic cigarettes must stop labeling their products as reducing or eliminating smoking.
Posted Sep 13, 2010

VA Governor Reveals Liquor Privatization Plan
The proposal would increase the number of outlets that sell liquor to 1,000.
Posted Sep 9, 2010

Cigarette Tax Collection Sparks Another Lawsuit
Oneida Nation has filed a lawsuit in federal court after New York’s State Supreme Court lifted two injunctions.
Posted Sep 9, 2010

Single Cigarettes Disappear From Shelves
The FDA banned the sale of SingleStick cigarettes starting June 22, but stores had until September 1 to clear their stock.
Posted Sep 8, 2010

Disaster Assistance Available for MO and IA Small Businesses
The SBA announces that businesses in select Missouri and Iowa counties hurt by flooding earlier this year can apply for low-interest disaster loans.
Posted Sep 7, 2010

File This Under "When All Else Fails"
Store owner uses beer to fend off robber; gunman leaves without cash.
Posted Sep 7, 2010

Hurricane Earl Hits East Coast
As the storm rolls up on North Carolina’s shoreline, residents prepare and holiday travelers evacuate.
Posted Sep 3, 2010

Banks Pushing Overdraft Protection
While new legislation took effect last month to eliminate overdraft protection, banks are trying to bring it back.
Posted Sep 3, 2010

California Lawmakers Toss Out Plastic Bag Ban
The bill would have banned the use of plastic shopping bags statewide, although a few cities already have bans in place.
Posted Sep 3, 2010

Convenience Stores Call for Suspension of 58% Cigarette Tax Hike
Unfair to Make Retailers Sacrifice Sales While Other Side of Bargain is Blocked by Courts
Posted Sep 2, 2010

Gatorade To Be Distributed Via Direct Delivery
The change represents the company's first large-scale move toward optimizing PepsiCo's delivery systems resulting from its bottling acquisitions earlier this year.
Posted Sep 2, 2010

State Lawyers Win Latest Round In Cigarette Tax Battle
New York State Supreme Court lifts two injunctions that had prevented the state from taxing cigarette sales on Indian reservations.
Posted Sep 1, 2010

Small Businesses Skip the Health-Care Tax Credit
Insurance brokers cite low response because the value of the benefit recedes quickly as average employee salaries exceed $25,000.
Posted Aug 31, 2010

Expect More Labor Day Travelers, Says AAA
Labor Day travel is expected to recover from last year’s declines, reports AAA.
Posted Aug 27, 2010

Five Things Small Businesses Want From Washington
Small business owners’ wish list includes relaxed lending requirements and a repeal of 1099 reporting requirements.
Posted Aug 26, 2010

NY Cigarette Thefts Spike
While New York's recent excise tax has prompted many smokers to quit, it has also led to an increase in theft of the nearly $10 packs.
Posted Aug 26, 2010

Virginia Retailers Tell State: ‘Slow Down on ABC Plans’
Virginia retail associations push for an independent review on proposal to privatize state-run liquor stores.
Posted Aug 23, 2010

Cash or Plastic? Retailers Debate Options
Financial reform can’t come soon enough for some businesses.
Posted Aug 20, 2010

Survival of the Fittest
Time predicts a continual struggle for grocers.
Posted Aug 19, 2010

A George Bailey-Like Moment for Charlotte BP Operator
Hundreds rally around local operator, drowning out protesters and solidifying his place in the community.
Posted Aug 19, 2010

Senecas Sue New York Over Cigarette Tax Collection Plan
Senecas challenge New York State's plan to collect taxes on Native American tobacco sales.
Posted Aug 19, 2010

PayPal Edges Into On-Site Retail Environment
The ecommerce payment company wants to develop software to turn phones into “digital wallets.”
Posted Aug 18, 2010

USPS Off Limits to Seneca Mail-Order Cigarette Businesses
A New York judge upholds the ban on mailing cigarettes but gives Seneca-owned businesses a temporary exemption from complying with cigarette tax laws.
Posted Aug 11, 2010

House Bill Would Establish Federal Oversight on Online Gambling
If approved, Internet gambling sites could apply for licenses, which would generate revenue for federal and state governments.
Posted Aug 11, 2010

San Francisco Considers Fee On Alcoholic Beverages
Fee is projected to generate more than $16 million a year to treat alcohol abuse.
Posted Aug 10, 2010

Police Concerned Over Privatizing Virginia Liquor Stores
With the number of alcohol outlets projected to increase substantially, law enforcement officials worry that consumption will rise, along with alcohol-related crimes.
Posted Aug 10, 2010

California Assembly Considers Measure to Nix Debit-Card Fees
SB933 would prohibit merchants from assessing fees on debit-card transactions.
Posted Aug 9, 2010

Iowa Lottery Looks Back on 25 Years
Today, the lottery is considering the addition of smartphone lottery games to stay current.
Posted Aug 9, 2010

Wisconsin Store Offers Free Bus Rides to “Food Desert” Residents
A single-store operator partners with a local transportation company to provide access for residents in Madison's Allied Drive neighborhood to healthful and nutritious food.
Posted Aug 5, 2010

San Francisco Considers Plastic Bag Ban Expansion
The city may target all retailers for the ban on disposable plastic bag distribution.
Posted Aug 4, 2010

Kentucky Lottery Brought in Record $214.3 Million for State
Mega Millions and Powerball helped to boost sales.
Posted Aug 3, 2010

Some Receipts Contain BPA
The chemical bisphenol A has been discovered on cash register slips.
Posted Jul 28, 2010

99 Cents Only Stores Sued Over Price Increase
Chain is hit with two class-action lawsuits after it raised the top price of goods to 99.99 cents from 99 cents.
Posted Jul 27, 2010

Industries Find Surging Profits in Deeper Cuts
The trend has analysts smiling, though the disconnect among consumers is sharp, where high unemployment continues unabated.
Posted Jul 27, 2010

Branding to the Trillion Dollar U.S. Latino Market
The 2010 Hispanic Retail 360 Summit will be held August 8-10 in La Jolla, Calif.
Posted Jul 26, 2010

Changes in Virginia Liquor Laws Coming
Next month, the governor will reveal his proposals to privatize state-run liquor stores, which could mean a loosening of restrictions on selling spirits in convenience stores.
Posted Jul 21, 2010

Lorillard Asks FDA to Take Closer Look at Menthol Testimony
The cigarette maker wants the agency to review the information submitted by government scientists on the harmfulness of menthol cigarettes.
Posted Jul 14, 2010

Ohio Lottery Boasts Record Sales Of $2.48 Billion
Despite a series of recent setbacks, the Ohio Lottery breaks sales records.
Posted Jul 8, 2010

Sam’s Club to Offer SBA Loans
Nearly 15 percent of its business members have reported being denied a business loan — one of the reasons behind Sam's Club's lending program.
Posted Jul 8, 2010

New ADA Compliance Ranges Coming
It is highly likely that the maximum reach ranges for motor fuel dispensers will be modified. You must be prepared.
Posted Jul 7, 2010

Funny Money
Counterfeit bills are becoming more of a concern for small businesses, including convenience stores.
Posted Jul 7, 2010

Rising Taxes Hurting Tobacco Farms
With cigarettes becoming more expensive each year, farmers have been planting less tobacco.
Posted Jul 7, 2010

Higher New York Cigarette Tax Boon for Border Stores
Massachusetts shops are finding more customers, as New Yorkers cross in search of cheaper smokes.
Posted Jul 6, 2010

7-Eleven, QuikTrip Tighten Reigns on Texas
Both retailers set their sights on new stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and respond to consumer demand for more fresh foods.
Posted Jul 2, 2010

City To Halt Mandate Of Tobacco Warning Posters
New York City will cease enforcing a mandate that requires tobacco retailers to display graphic warning posters near their cash registers, pending a federal lawsuit filed by the tobacco companies.
Posted Jul 1, 2010

Judge Stops Cigarette Mail Ban
The ruling temporarily puts on hold the new law that prohibits shipping cigarettes through the U.S. Postal Service. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refuses to consider a tobacco racketeering appeals.
Posted Jun 30, 2010

Indiana Merchants Want Sunday Alcohol Sales
A statewide group of convenience, drug and grocery stores are attempting to change an Indiana law to allow for purchase of carryout alcohol and cold beer on Sundays.
Posted Jun 30, 2010

South Carolina Cigarette Tax Hike Commences Tomorrow
The state is raising its tax on cigarettes 50 cents to 57 cents per pack.
Posted Jun 30, 2010

FDA Oversight of Tobacco, One Year Later
Anti-tobacco advocates express frustration that the FDA has not yet mandated a reduction in nicotine levels in cigarettes.
Posted Jun 29, 2010

Kansas Smoking Ban Takes Effect July 1
However, a restraining order delays the statewide smoking ban in Wichita.
Posted Jun 29, 2010

Baltimore City Okays Bottled Beverage Tax
The two-penny tax would expire after three years.
Posted Jun 28, 2010

Supermarket Shutterings Leave Food Deserts
Rural food retailers are closing their doors because of the economy.
Posted Jun 28, 2010

Want To Affect Change? Then Don’t Boycott.
The call to boycott BP gasoline stations harms gas distributors and other small entrepreneurs who own service stations, as well as the people working for them — none of whom had anything to do with the spill, note USA Today editors.
Posted Jun 25, 2010

FDA Tobacco Regulations in Effect
Labeling cigarettes “Light” and “mild” is now prohibited, along with selling cigarettes in packs of less than 20.
Posted Jun 23, 2010

California Senate Committee Considers Plastic Bag Ban
Earlier this month, the Assembly approved a bill that would make shoppers buy paper bags or reusable totes.
Posted Jun 23, 2010

NY Tobacco Tax Hike Will Hurt Convenience Stores
The $1.60 increase per pack will take effect July 1.
Posted Jun 23, 2010

New York Reaches Deal to Raise Cigarette Tax
Governor Patterson proposes $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase, a move that could raise cigarette prices to more than $10 a pack in New York City.
Posted Jun 22, 2010

U.S. Postal Service Curbs Tobacco Mailing
Starting June 29, the USPS will no longer accept or carry packages of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
Posted Jun 21, 2010

Costco Angles for New Liquor Laws
In Washington, the warehouse club is backing a proposal that would allow retailers to purchase alcohol directly from manufacturers.
Posted Jun 21, 2010

Coalition Cites Concerns About Arizona's Rest Area Commercialization
NACS, NATSO, QSRs and others join forces to oppose Arizona rest area commercialization appeal.
Posted Jun 17, 2010

NY Governor Revisits Cigarette Tax Increase, Taxation of Native American Tobacco Sales
State's $9.2 billion deficit prompts governor to seek spending cuts and tax increases.
Posted Jun 17, 2010

Kagan Confirmation Could Complicate Tobacco Case
The Supreme Court nominee would have to excuse herself from a review of the government’s racketeering lawsuit against tobacco companies.
Posted Jun 15, 2010

Casey's Board Recommends Rejection of Couche-Tard’s Tender Offer
The unsolicited offer substantially undervalues Casey’s and attempts to transfer significant value that rightly belongs to the retailer’s shareholders.
Posted Jun 9, 2010

Indiana ID Law Starts July 1
Anyone purchasing alcohol in any store in the state must present a valid photo ID.
Posted Jun 8, 2010

Concern With Customer Service Grows
More businesses are placing more emphasis on training staff to interact better with customers.
Posted Jun 8, 2010

Target to Roll Out Savings Reward With Its Credit Card
The discount chain will give customers 5 percent off purchases when they use a Target card.
Posted Jun 8, 2010

Cayugas Seek Court Dismissal of Indictments in Cigarette Tax Dispute
The Cayuga Indian Nation wants a court to dismiss sealed indictments filed against the Nation in 2008.
Posted Jun 7, 2010

BP Protests: ‘It's Really Going To Hurt the Wrong People’
New protests grow, but most consumers understand that targeting gas stations is counter productive.
Posted Jun 4, 2010

Walmart, Target Think Small With Big Grocery Offer
Traditional grocers are feeling the pinch as pharmacies, convenience stores and general merchandise retailers compete for foodservice dollars.
Posted Jun 3, 2010

Washington Grocers Challenge Liquor Sales Regulation
Proponents maintain that reform would boost state revenue by nearly $90 million over the next five years.
Posted Jun 3, 2010

Washington State Starts Collecting Candy Taxes
On July 1, soda also will be taxed.
Posted Jun 2, 2010

Reynolds American Companies to Consolidate
The tobacco companies will also upgrade their manufacturing facilities.
Posted Jun 1, 2010

Store Owners Reject Compromise on Hours
Convenience store owners threaten to sue city over its refusal to extend its operating hours to match those of its competitors.
Posted May 27, 2010

Violent Crime Dropped in 2009
Preliminary FBI statistics show sharp drops in violent crime and property crime in 2009.
Posted May 26, 2010

AIR for Charity Introduced
AIR-serv’s new $500,000 AIR for Charity program aims to provide nutritious meals for more than 2.5 million children in need.
Posted May 26, 2010

Wegmans, Tops Partner With Grape Farmers to Permit Wine Sales in Grocery Stores
The grocers support proposed legislation that would allow New York supermarkets to carry wine.
Posted May 26, 2010

ExxonMobil Gets PCI Extension from Visa
Branded marketers now to have until December 31 to upgrade EPOS systems.
Posted May 24, 2010

New York Governor Adopts New Soda Tax Strategy
The revised proposal would exempt diet drinks and bottled water from the state sales tax and the soda tax.
Posted May 24, 2010

Paper, Plastic Bag Foes Set Sights on Reusable Bag Proposals
With more cities looking at banning or taxing paper and plastic bags, advocates are proposing eliminating both.
Posted May 24, 2010

Tobacco Companies Slash Contracts With U.S. Farmers
The companies are instead receiving more tobacco from overseas.
Posted May 24, 2010

Sen. Murkowski to Seek Vote on Jettisoning Endangerment Finding
The measure would void a few EPA rules relating to greenhouse gas emissions.
Posted May 19, 2010

Philadelphia Council Nixes Tax on Soft Drinks
Members instead approved a new fee on smokeless tobacco, among other things. Also, Dr Pepper Snapple Group CEO said that taxing soda will not end obesity.
Posted May 17, 2010

Colorado Joins Mega Millions
The Colorado Lottery started selling the multi-state game tickets yesterday.
Posted May 17, 2010

Web Cigarette Sale Regulation Upheld
The Oregon Court of Appeals found that states can regulate online sales of cigarettes originating from an Indian reservation.
Posted May 17, 2010

Massachusetts Could Mandate Graphic Tobacco Ads at the Register
The state could become the first to force retailers to put up graphic tobacco ads that warn customers about the dangers of smoking.
Posted May 14, 2010

South Carolina Boosts Cigarette Tax
Missouri now has the lowest cigarette excise tax in the U.S. at 17 cents per pack.
Posted May 14, 2010

Cayugas Win Cigarette Tax Dispute
New York court upholds a lower court ruling that the Cayuga Indian Nation does not have to pay taxes on its cigarette sales.
Posted May 13, 2010

Minnesota Enacts New Law to Prevent Youth Access to Tobacco
The new law will take effect August 1 and will apply existing tobacco taxes and regulations to smokeless tobacco products.
Posted May 13, 2010

Mega Millions to Launch in South Dakota this Weekend
Tickets go on sale this Sunday for the state's newest multi-million dollar lottery game.
Posted May 13, 2010

Kwik Trip Brings Blockbuster Express to Consumers
The Midwest retailer is the latest convenience store chain to offer NCR's Blockbuster Express DVD rental kiosks to consumers.
Posted May 13, 2010

Parker’s Competes With Technology
Greg Parker lends some sage advice to community small businesses about relying on data, metrics and excellent customer service.
Posted May 13, 2010

Democrats Scrutinize Tobacco ‘Loopholes’
The Senate Finance Committee wants to clarify that “little cigars” are taxed at the same rate as cigarettes, regardless of their size.
Posted May 12, 2010

S.C. Governor Vetoes Cigarette Tax Hike
Mark Sanford said no to the 50-cent increase because it wasn’t tied to a tax decrease.
Posted May 12, 2010

Coke Pins Hopes on High-Tech Fountain
The soft drink company is rolling out its Freestyle machines to more locations.
Posted May 12, 2010

Washington Smokers Run to the Border to Get Cheaper Cigarettes
After Washington’s latest price increase, many Washington consumers are finding less-costly smokes in Idaho.
Posted May 11, 2010

State, Tribe Reach Deal on Tobacco Cases
Settlement affects lawsuits that allege tribal retailers sold products without a permit.
Posted May 11, 2010

Chicago Eyes Cigarette Tax Increase
Measure would raise the price of cigarettes to $4.66 per pack.
Posted May 10, 2010

Kansas House Pulls Tobacco Tax From Budget
Border bleed fears prompt legislators to pull back from measure promoted by Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson.
Posted May 10, 2010

Beyond the Point-of-Sale
NACStech workshop provides a look at three retailers using their POS to do more than just ring up sales.
Posted May 7, 2010

Arkansas Lottery Eyes Big Retailers for Lottery Ticket Vending Machines
The state’s lottery will introduce 100 machines at high-traffic retail stores this summer, a move that it hopes will help grow revenue by tapping new players.
Posted May 6, 2010

Kansas Senate Tosses Cigarette Tax Hike
The proposal to add 55 cents per pack has been dropped from the state’s budget proposal. Also, the Pennsylvania governor has placed a tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars on the table.
Posted May 5, 2010

California Governor Refuses to Sign Park, Beaches Smoking Ban
Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill because of its far-reaching effects.
Posted May 5, 2010

D.C. Council Eyes Soda Tax
The council would use the tax to fund its campaign to counter childhood obesity, which includes changing school menus.
Posted May 4, 2010

Mega Millions Reaches $266 Million
Today’s jackpot is the largest in nine months.
Posted May 4, 2010

McNeil Voluntarily Recalls Certain OTC Infants’ and Children’s Products
Affected products include liquid versions of infant and children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl.
Posted May 4, 2010

Convenience Stores Drive Hershey, PepsiCo Recovery
Impulse sales at convenience stores are improving.
Posted May 3, 2010

FDA Rejects Request to Remove Tobacco Panelists
Last month, Philip Morris had asked the agency to kick four members off the panel because of conflicts of interest.
Posted May 3, 2010

Sheetz Wins Beer Battle
The retailer’s convenience restaurant will soon be allowed to sell beer, although a state distributor association is planning to repeal the state ruling.
Posted Apr 30, 2010

Where Are All the Jobs?
That’s a question many teens and college students would like to have answered as they seek employment for the summer months.
Posted Apr 30, 2010

Walmart Thinks Inside the Smaller Box
The “big-box” retailer is exploring new formats, such as downsizing to smaller, more urban locations, to bring back its core customers.
Posted Apr 30, 2010

Swiss Farms Signs First Franchise
In 42 years of business, the drive-thru retail chain awards its first franchise and multi-unit deal.
Posted Apr 30, 2010

Australian Cigarettes Switch to Plain Packets
The January 2012 move is part of the government’s plan to reduce smoking rates in Australia by 2018. Tobacco firms are weighing legal action.
Posted Apr 29, 2010

Vermont House Committee Passes Bill to Stop Credit Card Abuses
The Senate already approved the measure.
Posted Apr 28, 2010

Meat Prices Likely to Rise
This summer, pork and beef will cost more due to herd reductions linked to surging feed costs caused by more demand for ethanol.
Posted Apr 28, 2010

Washington Tax Package Hits Bottled Water, Soda, Beer and Candy
Governor Gregoire calls the taxes “sensible and modest” and argues that they would help generate roughly $780 million annually for the state.
Posted Apr 27, 2010

Missouri Considering Spending More On Lottery
Missouri lottery officials petition lawmakers to increase its lottery ad budget from $1.3 million to $8 million a year to generate more sales.
Posted Apr 27, 2010

Convenience Stores Expand Into Self Storage
Chains like Reilly’s Dairy have found that adding rental storage units can be good for business.
Posted Apr 26, 2010

Alabama Legislators Allow Stronger Wine Sales in Convenience Stores
State legislators vote to override the governor’s veto, allowing the sale of stronger wines in convenience stores.
Posted Apr 23, 2010

Dresser Wayne Fuel Dispenser Achieves PCI-DSS Certification
Dispensers featuring the iDPOS in-dispenser point-of-sale option have been certified as PCI-DSS compliant.
Posted Apr 23, 2010

Colorado Banking Lobby Kills Its Own Bill
A measure added to the bill that sought to extend a prohibition on credit card surcharges to ATMs forced the Colorado banking lobby to kill its own bill in the state Senate.
Posted Apr 21, 2010

Speedway Joins Swipe Fee Campaign
NACS continues to help convenience stores educate consumers about the real cost of interchange “swipe” fees.
Posted Apr 21, 2010

Coke Tests New Drink Delivery System
The method would utilize Costco and a third-party logistics company as part of the distribution chain.
Posted Apr 21, 2010

Credit Card Financing Hurting Small Business
For start-ups and those with a poor credit history, though, cards offer the only viable lending option.
Posted Apr 20, 2010

Kansas Lawmakers Eye ‘Sin’ Tax Hikes
The legislators are considering a group of tax increases for alcohol, cigarettes and sugary drinks to plug the budget shortfall.
Posted Apr 19, 2010

PIN Debit Fees Go Up
Visa increased PIN debit fees by nearly 30 percent.
Posted Apr 19, 2010

Philip Morris Funds Tobacco Tax Ad Campaign
The tobacco company wants New York to collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Native American reservations.
Posted Apr 19, 2010

Kum & Go Expands Offer With Redbox DVD Kiosks
Redbox will be available at more than 281 Kum & Go stores this year.
Posted Apr 15, 2010

Washington Senate Passes Tobacco Increase
The House had already approved a dollar increase on cigarette packs. Meanwhile, health groups are pressing Kansas lawmakers to raise the cigarette tax by $1.
Posted Apr 14, 2010

Dollar General Now Accepts Online Coupons
The discount retailer has revised its coupon policy to include Internet coupons.
Posted Apr 14, 2010

Washington State House OKs Beer, Candy, Soda and Water Tax
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has threatened to make additional budget cuts unless tax increases are approved.
Posted Apr 13, 2010

State Cigarette Taxes Not Funding Smoking Prevention
CDC finds that states that hiked tobacco taxes in 2009 didn’t use the money for anti-smoking programs.
Posted Apr 12, 2010

Florida Moves to Add More Gambling
The governor, lawmakers and the Seminoles approved a deal that would bring in an estimated $1 billion over five years.
Posted Apr 12, 2010

Who's Watching Your ATM?
Thefts of ATMs are on the rise.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

Class C Operator UST Training Now Available in Kansas
PMCA of Kansas extends reach of training program that assists underground storage tank owners in complying with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for Operator Training.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

Proposal to Ban Caffeine In Beer Opposed
Beer aficionados concerned that proposal could affect artisanal brews.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

NOCO Express Installs First Blockbuster Express Unit
Company expects rollout to be complete at 22 stores by June.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

Teamsters Argue Against N.Y. Soda Tax
Increased taxes would force employers to flee the state, eliminating jobs.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

Washington Lawmakers Eye Tax on Mass-Market Beers
Tax increase would add roughly 28 cents per six-pack of ‘mass market’ beer but would exempt microbrews.
Posted Apr 8, 2010

NACS Hails New Vermont Bill to Stop Credit Card Company Abuses
Yesterday, the Vermont Senate passed a measure that would give retailers the ability to choose how to accept various payment methods.
Posted Apr 7, 2010

States Consider Options in Retaining Rest Plaza Services
A federal ban on rest area commercialization has many cash-starved states looking for ways to retain rest area amenities for weary travelers.
Posted Apr 6, 2010

GACS Announces Lighting Retrofit Program
Georgia retailers invited to participate in energy-saving lighting retrofits, with no out-of pocket costs.
Posted Apr 5, 2010

Coalition Pushes for $1 Hike in Ohio Cigarette Tax
However, another group, including the Ohio Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, is gearing up to fight any increase.
Posted Apr 5, 2010

Video Stores Squeezed Out by Netflix, Redbox
Will brick-and-mortar DVD locations soon be gone for good?
Posted Apr 5, 2010

Judge Upholds Iowa Smoking Ban
A bar owner had filed suit against the state for wanting to pull his license because of smokers at the bar.
Posted Apr 5, 2010

Speedway SuperAmerica Launches ‘Fight Swipe Fees’ Petition Campaign
Convenience and petroleum retailer anticipates one million signatures during the campaign that begins this month at all SSA stores.
Posted Apr 2, 2010

D.C. Tax on Plastic Bags Grabs $150,000 in January
The nickel tax funds are earmarked for cleaning up the Anacostia River.
Posted Mar 31, 2010

Retailers, Bottlers Fight Baltimore Beverage Tax
Baltimore retailers and bottlers maintain that a beverage tax would force Baltimore residents to shop outside of the city where there is no tax.
Posted Mar 30, 2010

Cigarette Taxes Are ‘Gold Rush’ for States
Since last year, 22 states and the District of Columbia have increased or are considering increases to cigarette taxes.
Posted Mar 29, 2010

Georgia Associations Hail State Legislation To Stop Credit Card Abuses
Bill takes particular aim at interchange fees, among other controversial policies.
Posted Mar 29, 2010

N.Y. Top Court Weighs Tax Claim On Indian Cigarettes
Final court ruling is expected next month.
Posted Mar 29, 2010

Dallas Retailers Find Common Ground Over Beer, Wine Sales
Grocery stores, restaurants in favor of eliminating Dallas' dry spots.
Posted Mar 25, 2010

Cigarette Tax Hike Coming Soon to Utah
The governor has indicated he will not veto a bill that would raise the tax $1 per pack. Meanwhile, the California legislature approved a bill that would ban smoking at state beaches and parks.
Posted Mar 24, 2010

Tennessee Bottle Bill: Not A Good Idea?
A convenience store owner writes that the bill would make local businesses less competitive.
Posted Mar 23, 2010

Kum & Go Collects 40,000-Plus Signatures for Fight Swipe Fees Campaign
The signatures were gathered in just one month for the NACS petition drive.
Posted Mar 23, 2010

New York Retailers Win New Freeze On Higher Tobacco Registration Fees
New York convenience store operators win temporary reprieve.
Posted Mar 22, 2010

Louisiana Proposes Ban on High-Caffeine Drinks to Kids
The ban would affect any drink — except coffee — that contains at least five milligrams of caffeine per ounce.
Posted Mar 22, 2010

Walmart Plans More In-Store Financial Centers
MoneyCenters continue to grow in popularity for Wal-Mart's low-income demographic.
Posted Mar 22, 2010

Stripes Gets Energy Efficient
Stripes has received rebates for implementing energy-efficient solutions such as lighting and HVAC.
Posted Mar 19, 2010

Mars Retail Group Partners with Alchemy3
Group will work with Alchemy3 to develop branded lottery games that will be available to retailers in the fall.
Posted Mar 19, 2010

NY Agriculture Commissioner Backs Wine Sales in Grocery, Convenience Stores
Patrick Hooker supports the bill because it would mean more jobs and more funds for the state.
Posted Mar 18, 2010

States Increase Gaming Options to Fill Budget Holes
At least 18 states are considering expanding chance games to recover lower revenue collections from casinos, horse racing and lotteries.
Posted Mar 18, 2010

Hawaii Goes After Internet Tobacco Sale Taxes
State looks to capture up to $700,000 in uncollected funds; meanwhile New York considers enforcing a 2008 law that would require collecting taxes on the sale of cigarettes by Native Americans to non-Indians.
Posted Mar 17, 2010

New Hampshire Moving Ahead With E-Cigarette Ban
The Electronic Cigarette Association also supports restricting e-cigarette usage to adults.
Posted Mar 16, 2010

Sheetz Offers Blockbuster Express DVD Kiosks
Sheetz customers can access NCR’s Blockbuster Express outdoor kiosks for DVDs at $1 per night.
Posted Mar 16, 2010

Independent Operators Would Bear Brunt of Kansas Tax Hike Proposals
The state convenience store association says that the tobacco, liquor, fuel and sales tax options before the legislature would adversely affect convenience stores.
Posted Mar 15, 2010

Debit Card Holds Cause Customer Confusion
Many banks put hefty pre-authorization holds on consumer debit cards used for a fill up.
Posted Mar 15, 2010

New York: Judge Reinstates Higher Tobacco Registration Fees
New York convenience store operators were stunned Friday when State Supreme Court Justice Feinman reinstated the enormous increases in retail tobacco-dealer registration fees.
Posted Mar 15, 2010

Colorado Lawyer Submits New Ballot Initiative on Beer, Wine Sales
Last month, a House committee squashed a bill that would have allowed convenience stores to sell full-strength beer.
Posted Mar 15, 2010

Tennessee Wine Bill Stalls
The measure, which would allow grocery and convenience stores to sell wine, will be reintroduced next year.
Posted Mar 10, 2010

Utah Senate Approves Tobacco Tax Hike
The House already passed a similar measure, so two questions remain: how much and will the governor veto it?
Posted Mar 8, 2010

Kansas Considers Lottery Tax
The proposal would mean the state could no longer sell Powerball and Mega Millions tickets.
Posted Mar 8, 2010

Philly Mayor Suggests 2 Penny-Per-Ounce Sweet Drink Tax
The tax rate would apply to cold dispensed beverage syrup and powders but not diet beverages sans added sugar or baby formula.
Posted Mar 5, 2010

Tennessee Drive-Thru Store Owners Criticize Moratorium On Beer Permits
Knox County issues a 180-day moratorium on issuing new permits to stores with drive-through windows, a move that has store owners upset.
Posted Mar 4, 2010

'Welcome to the War on Cash'
NPR examines how banks steer consumers to costliest forms of debit.
Posted Mar 2, 2010

Walgreen's Bid To Sell Alcohol Uncorks Hostility
Retail competitors sue, claiming oversaturation; neighbors unhappy, too.
Posted Mar 2, 2010

Kansas Legislature Approves Smoking Ban
The bill now goes to Gov. Mark Parkinson, who has indicated he will sign it into law.
Posted Mar 1, 2010

AMP Energy Juice Launches Nationwide
The drink is the company’s first energy juice beverage.
Posted Mar 1, 2010

Colorado Convenience Store Beer Bill Falls Flat
Battle to allow c-stores to sell full strength beer dies in state legislature.
Posted Feb 26, 2010

New Plan Underway To Collect Cigarette Taxes in New York
The ongoing effort to limit the number of tax-free cigarettes that may be legally supplied to New York's Indian nations or tribes continues.
Posted Feb 25, 2010

Dallas Group Calls for Vote on Beer, Wine Sales
Dallas grocery chains and the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association are planning a petition drive to eliminate the patchwork of wet and dry areas governing the sale of alcohol in Dallas.
Posted Feb 25, 2010

Certified Oil Supports Interchange Fee Petition
The Ohio chain captured more than 8.500 signatures for the NACS petition drive.
Posted Feb 24, 2010

Ohio Smoking Ban Price Tag: $2 Million
Critics see the smoking ban as wasting money but supporters still view it as necessary.
Posted Feb 24, 2010

In Quad-Cities, Convenience Stores Abound
The area is home to more than 150 gasoline stations and convenience stores.
Posted Feb 24, 2010

Tobacco Excise Tax Battle Brews in Virginia
Altria and Swedish Match clash over how the state should apply the tobacco excise tax on snuff.
Posted Feb 22, 2010

New Frugality Shows Up in Local Checkout Lanes
In Charlotte, price-first retailers show surge in local sales, mirroring a national trend.
Posted Feb 18, 2010

Tobacco Sellers Could Face $150 Inspection Fee
Boise senator wants to charge retailers who sell tobacco $150 to cover the cost of checks that verify they aren't selling tobacco to minors.
Posted Feb 18, 2010

New York City Delays Flavored Tobacco Ban
City officials seek clarification on which products are subject to ban.
Posted Feb 18, 2010

Better Beer Laws Campaign Launches
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and the Pennsylvania Convenience Store Council joined together to create a Web site and Beer Drinkers’ Bill of Rights.
Posted Feb 17, 2010

Baltimore Residents May Soon Pay for Plastic Bags
The city considers both banning plastic bags and charging for their use.
Posted Feb 17, 2010

South Dakota Adds Smoking Ban to Ballot
State voters will decide on whether to prohibit smoking in bars, video lottery places and casinos.
Posted Feb 17, 2010

Cigarette Tax Dominates SC Political Debate
Five South Carolina gubernatorial candidates offer differing views of their state’s cigarette tax, the nation’s lowest.
Posted Feb 16, 2010

Colorado Senate Okays Soda, Candy Tax
The bill would eliminate the exemption of a tax break for candy and soft drinks.
Posted Feb 15, 2010

Colorado C-Stores One Step Closer to Selling Full-Strength Beer
With grocers off the bill, a state House committee approves a controversial bill that would change state alcohol laws.
Posted Feb 12, 2010

Ohio Coalition Combats Cigarette Excise Tax
Coalition of retailers and fuel marketers say that increasing Ohio’s cigarette tax will do more harm than good.
Posted Feb 12, 2010

Tedeschi Food Shops Opens 190th Store
To mark the store's opening, its fourth in Fall River, Massachusetts, Tedeschi will make a donation to Fall River's Boys & Girls Club.
Posted Feb 11, 2010

Beverage Industry to Make Calorie Info Clear and Useable
The caloric data will be added to the front of beverage containers, vending machines and fountain equipment.
Posted Feb 10, 2010

Colorado Convenience Stores Seek New Tactic in Liquor-Sale Bill Fight
With chain grocers off the bill, c-stores are fighting for the right to sell full-strength beer.
Posted Feb 9, 2010

Legislators, Beverage Makers Rally To Fight Obesity Tax
Bipartisan effort criticizes Governor Paterson’s proposal to tax sugary soda and drinks.
Posted Feb 9, 2010

D.C. Clarifies Tax on Plastic Bags
Last week, the city put out new rules outlining how the law would be enforced and that stores have to collect a nickel for plastic bag use.
Posted Feb 8, 2010

Waffle House Offers Candlelight Valentine’s Day Experience
More than 40 locations will spruce up with white table cloths and candles.
Posted Feb 8, 2010

Kansas Liquor Stores Oppose Beer Change
The store owners still are not budging from their resistance to allow grocery and convenience stores sell full-strength beer.
Posted Feb 8, 2010

E-Cigarette Ruling Appealed
The FDA is asking a federal appeals court to stay an order that blocked the agency from preventing importation of electronic cigarettes.
Posted Feb 8, 2010

Sound Matters
Restaurant décor hit a trend with hard wood floors, large windows and linen-free tables, which also makes for a noisy dining experience.
Posted Feb 5, 2010

Missouri Proposes Statewide Smoking Ban
The bill would prohibit smoking in bars, gambling places, restaurants and shopping malls, among other public locations.
Posted Feb 3, 2010

N.C. Reconsiders Cigarette Tax Stamps
Today, a House committee on revenue laws will look at reinstating the tax stamp.
Posted Feb 3, 2010

Renewed Push for Wine Sale Expansion Fires Up Debate — Again
N.Y. Gov. David Paterson’s proposal to let convenience and grocery stores sell wine has the liquor lobby revving up its opposition.
Posted Feb 3, 2010

Meijer Changes Focus to Smaller Stores
Leaving behind its patio furniture and blue jeans, the chain has decided to open downsized versions with an emphasis on groceries.
Posted Feb 3, 2010

Powerball, Mega Millions Additions Change Lottery Habits
Convenience stores have seen a shift in business as the multi-state games became available in more locations.
Posted Feb 3, 2010

Vendgogh, WilcoHess Partner to Pioneer Gas Island Vending
The companies will bring a new dimension of convenience to the gas island.
Posted Feb 1, 2010

Colorado Considers Reviving Candy, Soft Drink Tax
With the governor asking for another $50 million cut in the budget, lawmakers are reviewing tax breaks.
Posted Feb 1, 2010

Tesco Adds Movie Production to Portfolio
New business venture seeks to boost Tesco’s share of the home-entertainment market.
Posted Jan 29, 2010

Safeway, Excentus Settle Gas Rewards Suit
Companies have settled all outstanding litigation and entered into a patent agreement.
Posted Jan 29, 2010

North Toledo Store Owners to Foot Bill for Extra Security
With local police force budgets stretched thin, one retailers’ association takes matters into its own hands.
Posted Jan 28, 2010

Scanning Nebraska Driver’s Licenses Passes Second Round
If passed, bill would allow convenience store owners to scan and store information from driver’s licenses.
Posted Jan 28, 2010

How Merchants Deal with Rising Credit-Card Costs
Wall Street Journal highlights the economic challenges that retailers face with rising interchange fees.
Posted Jan 28, 2010

Small Business Advocates Commend California Investigative Hearing on Credit Card Fees
Hearing provided a critical opportunity to address the impact of hidden swipe fees and review possible solutions.
Posted Jan 27, 2010

U.S. Consumers Use Over $3.5 Billion in Coupons
Last year, consumers redeemed more coupons than they did in 2008.
Posted Jan 27, 2010

Bill to Allow Colorado Convenience Stores Sell Full-strength Beer Introduced
The measure is one of several proposals aimed at expanding liquor sales in the state.
Posted Jan 27, 2010

Pennsylvania Considers Allowing Beer Distributors to Sell Six-Packs
Recently proposed legislation being reviewed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Liquor Control Board would allow Pennsylvania beer distributors to sell six-packs.
Posted Jan 26, 2010

Quick Chek Tired of Transaction Fees
The retailer participated in the NACS petition drive to protest swipe fees.
Posted Jan 25, 2010

U.S. Beer Sales Plummet
Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors LLC need to rethink price increases and step up advertising efforts to regain lost sales volumes.
Posted Jan 25, 2010

New York Considers Wine in Grocery Stores Again
The governor proposal also contains concessions to the liquor store industry to gain its support.
Posted Jan 25, 2010

Target to Polish Stores, Open Smaller Formats
The nation’s second-largest discounter will start rolling out the new format in April.
Posted Jan 25, 2010

Nell’s Shurfine Grocery Stores and Rutter’s Offer ‘Gas Cash Rewards’
Gas savings earned at Nell’s can be redeemed at any Rutter’s.
Posted Jan 21, 2010

NYACS: Paterson's Beverage ‘Obesity Tax’ Is Harmful
NYACS argues that the tax is overreaching and punitive while predicting a loss of sales to Native American stores.
Posted Jan 21, 2010

Hope, Skepticism on NY Governor's Cigarette Tax Fairness Initiative
Paterson’s budget also proposed a $1-per-pack increase in the state excise tax on cigarettes.
Posted Jan 20, 2010

Gasoline Station Clerk Saves Newborn Baby’s Life
Quick action by cashier Tammy Camp revived the infant girl.
Posted Jan 20, 2010

Florida’s Freezing Temperatures Damages Crops Extensively
The cold snap will cause farmers in the Sunshine State to lose at least 30 percent of their crops.
Posted Jan 20, 2010

Kwik Trip Stores Join NACS in Petition Drive
The retailer’s Iowa locations are asking customers to sign the swipe fee petition.
Posted Jan 20, 2010

With Competitors Vacated, Retailers Eyeing Real Estate
National, smaller chains betting consumers will boost spending this year.
Posted Jan 19, 2010

Pantry Joins Interchange Fee Fight
The chain asked customers at its stores to support the NACS petition.
Posted Jan 18, 2010

U.S. Sen. Casey to Introduce Hiring Credit
The Pennsylvania senator’s proposal would give a tax credit for one year to companies that add workers to their payrolls.
Posted Jan 18, 2010

Electronic Cigarettes Can be Imported
A federal judge ruled that the FDA has no authority to stop e-cigarettes from entering the country.
Posted Jan 18, 2010

NY Governor Floats Idea Of Cigarette Tax Increase
Indian sellers would get larger price advantage, critics maintain.
Posted Jan 14, 2010

Will Environmental Rules Be Driven by Health-Care Reform?
EPA and environmentalists are looking to health care legislation for new arguments to regulate pollution.
Posted Jan 13, 2010

Jackpots Could Be Less With Dual Multi-State Lottery Sales
More states participating would mean more winners for lower jackpots.
Posted Jan 13, 2010

Kansas Governor Suggests Tobacco, Sales Tax Hikes to Plug Shortfall
Like many states, Kansas is facing a budget deficit.
Posted Jan 13, 2010

Indiana Convenience Stores to ID Every Alcohol Buyer
The new rule requires an ID check for every purchase of beer or wine.
Posted Jan 13, 2010

Connecticut Retailers Take a Swipe at Credit Card Fees
The interchange fees merchants have to pay to process plastic payments keep climbing higher.
Posted Jan 12, 2010

Taxing High-Cost Health Care Plans Brings Up Concerns
The Senate version has a 40 percent excise tax on insurance plans valued at more than $23,000 annually for a family of four.
Posted Jan 11, 2010

Win, Lose and Draw
Tobacco industry and government each achieve limited victories in challenge to new tobacco labeling, advertising and marketing restrictions.
Posted Jan 7, 2010

San Fran Lawsuit Pending Regarding Cig Fee
No butts: City lawmakers justified a new charge on cigarettes by saying nonsmokers shouldn’t have to fund cleanup.
Posted Jan 7, 2010

West Virginia Grapples With Lottery Decline
The struggling economy and competition from surrounding states have affected revenue. Will the decline continue?
Posted Jan 7, 2010

Newspapers Turn to Paywalls for Revenue
This year, more newspapers will begin to charge for access to online content.
Posted Jan 6, 2010

Grocers, Liquor Stores Face Off for Third Year Over Wine Sales
The two groups continue to battle over allowing Tennessee supermarkets to sell wine.
Posted Jan 6, 2010

Convenience Stores Make Entrepreneur’s List of Top Franchises
7-Eleven, Circle K and BP’s ampm convenience store businesses landed in the top 25.
Posted Jan 6, 2010

Alcohol Industry Speaks Out on Economy, Taxes and Deregulation
Executives share insights on economic impact to alcohol industry.
Posted Jan 5, 2010

New York Retailers Complying With Tobacco Sales
Nearly 92 percent of retailers who sell tobacco are complying with New York's law that forbids tobacco sales to kids under 18 years of age.
Posted Jan 5, 2010

Eleven States Have New Fire-Safe Cigarette Laws on the Books
However, some Michigan convenience store owners say customers are complaining about the product.
Posted Jan 4, 2010

Thorntons Opens Six New Stores
The new locations bring fresh ideas to its one-stop shopping experience.
Posted Jan 4, 2010

District of Columbia’s Bag Fee Starts Tomorrow
However, the city council passed legislation giving businesses extra time to use up 2009 bags in 2010.
Posted Dec 31, 2009

N.C. Smoking Ban Begins Jan. 2
Nearly all restaurants and bars, with the exception of cigar bars and private clubs, will be smoke-free.
Posted Dec 31, 2009

Mississippi To Look Into Soft Drink Tax
Next year, lawmakers will consider legislation that would add a two-penny tax on pre-sweetened soda.
Posted Dec 31, 2009

Geo. H. Green Oil Raises More Than $21,000 for Charity
The company upped its charity contributions 7.3 percent from last year.
Posted Dec 31, 2009

The Power Meal
CFO survey shows it pays to take your client to lunch.
Posted Dec 30, 2009

Kansas Governor Wants to Raise Tobacco Tax
The governor has not decided on how much the tax will be, but does plan to propose some increase in 2010.
Posted Dec 28, 2009

Dr Pepper Snapple Comes Into Own
The soft drink maker has acquired market share despite an overall decline of soda sales.
Posted Dec 28, 2009

Making Gains by Standing Out from the Competition
Southwest Airline bucks industry trend with ‘bags fly free’ strategy that helps airline gain market share.
Posted Dec 24, 2009

U.S. Retailers Hope For Last-Minute Gift Buying
Analysts assess overall retail climate as "mixed."
Posted Dec 24, 2009

ND Measure Would Raise Taxes on Wine, Beer, Liquor
But proponents face a year-long battle that requires review by ND’s Secretary of State followed by the collection of 12,844 petition signatures to place the proposal on the ballot for a statewide vote.
Posted Dec 22, 2009

Group Denounces New Jersey’s E-Cigarettes Law
Issues statement saying that public health and other experts say New Jersey Senate chose politics over science with legislation.
Posted Dec 22, 2009

Utah Joins NACS Petition Drive
The Utah Petroleum Marketers and Retailers Association is hoping for a huge response from residents.
Posted Dec 21, 2009

Santas, Reindeer and Penguins, Oh My!
A Virginia Shell gasoline station gets into the holiday spirit with dozens of Christmas-themed inflatables.
Posted Dec 21, 2009

Gas Station to Pay Close to $60,000 in Back Wages
The owner was found to be in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act at his dozen locations.
Posted Dec 21, 2009

Michigan Becomes 38th State to Ban Smoking
The governor signed the bill on Friday that has exemptions for Detroit casinos and tobacco shops.
Posted Dec 21, 2009

McDonald's Serves Up Free Wi-Fi
Company aims to make McDonald’s a destination beyond mealtime.
Posted Dec 17, 2009

Florida Lottery Rollout of Instant Ticket Machines Complete
Lottery officials expect increased sales beyond the $4 billion spent annually on Florida lottery games.
Posted Dec 17, 2009

Big Oil Letting Go of Retail Outlets
The sale of oil producer-owned gasoline stations to third parties has caused some retailers to fume.
Posted Dec 16, 2009

AACSA Comes Out Against Food, Drink Tax
The association said it would start a petition to oppose any new food or beverage taxes.
Posted Dec 16, 2009

N.J. Senate Approves Menu Labeling Measure
Law would apply to franchisees with 20 or more locations nationwide; bill now goes to New Jersey's General Assembly.
Posted Dec 15, 2009

Taking a Swipe at Card Processing Fees
Irked merchants offer discounts to cash customers.
Posted Dec 15, 2009

Connecticut Going After Online Cigarette Buyers
Nearly 1,000 bills mailed to residents who purchased cigarettes online without paying the required state sales tax.
Posted Dec 15, 2009

Michigan Legislature Approves Smoking Ban
However, the bill has an exemption for Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty shops, home offices and cars. Meanwhile, Taiwan is expected to outlaw smoking while walking.
Posted Dec 14, 2009

NJ Senate Okays Restrictions for E-Cigarettes
The unanimous decision would apply part of the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act to electronic smoking devices.
Posted Dec 14, 2009

Walmart Goes Local
The retailer seeks out locally grown produce for its grocery shelves.
Posted Dec 14, 2009

Just Born Opens First Retail Store
Maker of Peeps, Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Peanut Chews opens its first retail store, Peeps & Company, at the National Harbor outside Washington, D.C.
Posted Dec 11, 2009

Circle K Launches Franchise Program in Florida
Program offers business systems, extensive training and effective promotional tools.
Posted Dec 10, 2009

Rutter’s Introduces Blockbuster Express Rental Kiosks
Stores can now offer one-stop shopping for dinner and a movie.
Posted Dec 10, 2009

Hidden Credit Card Fees Costing Jobs
Merchants Payments Coalition tells Congress that the current level of interchange fees prevent retailers from hiring 1.3 to 1.9 million new employees.
Posted Dec 9, 2009

Michigan Workplace Smoking Ban Set To Pass
A Republican lawmaker says the bill will have exemptions for Detroit casinos, cigar bars and tobacco stores.
Posted Dec 9, 2009

Washington State Eyes Keno to Plug Budget Gap
The governor is considering a bill that would approve four-minute Keno games to bring in an estimated $30 million annually.
Posted Dec 9, 2009

Stealth Credit Card Fees to Siphon Almost $5 Billion From Holiday Sales
The largest non-labor cost for retailers continues to cut into margins.
Posted Dec 8, 2009

FDA Posts Nationwide Recall of Slim Fast Drinks
Ten million cans possibly contaminated with Bacillus cereus micro-organism.
Posted Dec 8, 2009

Sheetz’s Push for Beer Sales Reform Gains Momentum
Convenience store retailer gathers nearly 100,000 signatures in a petition that it will pass along to Pennsylvania state legislators.
Posted Dec 8, 2009

Chevron to Debrand 1,100 Stores
Company says it will focus more on markets where ‘it makes sense to grow,’ including the West Coast.
Posted Dec 7, 2009

Arkansas to Get Lottery Vending Machines
The state will roll out the machines next spring.
Posted Dec 7, 2009

CT Attorney General Sues CVS for Selling Outdated Medicine, Food
Retailer potentially faces thousands of dollars in civil penalties.
Posted Dec 3, 2009

Arkansas State Senator Makes Case for Abolishing Lottery
Likens it to gambling and claims that it unfairly targets the poor.
Posted Dec 3, 2009

New Report Endorses Maryland Alcohol Tax Increase
Delegate Kevin Kelly opposes an increase of the alcohol tax, and any other tax increase.
Posted Dec 3, 2009

Tennessee Dollar General Sells Lottery Tickets
The discount chain has been testing the sale of scratch-off games, Powerball tickets and other lottery games at 37 locations.
Posted Dec 2, 2009

U.S. Retailers Hope For Surge
Thanksgiving weekend shopping results show modest gains, with the number of shoppers increased over last year, and per capita spending down.
Posted Dec 1, 2009

From CVS to Costco, Retailers Put the Screws to Brands
Coke, Energizer engaged in price fight; CVS ‘bills’ to make up profit deficit.
Posted Dec 1, 2009

NRF Says Proposed Fed Rules Threaten Instant Credit
NRF says proposal threaten instant credit while possibly generating less creditworthy decisions.
Posted Nov 30, 2009

Virginia Smoking Ban Kicks In
As of December 1, smoking is banned in most Virginia restaurants and bars.
Posted Nov 30, 2009

Store-Within-A-Store Success Story
Kroger to roll out 50 additional Murray’s Cheese Shops within its stores.
Posted Nov 30, 2009

Pennsylvania Court Case Centers Around Beer Sales
Sheetz has been battling the hodgepodge of state laws concerning beer sales.
Posted Nov 25, 2009

Functional Beverages Are Going to the Dogs... Literally
Petrol introduces the first dog drink in an aluminum can.
Posted Nov 25, 2009

Florida’s Cigarette Tax Revenue Holds Steady
Despite a 27 percent drop in cigarette sales and a new $1 per pack tax hike, Florida’s tobacco tax income is on target.
Posted Nov 23, 2009

Ballot Initiative Filed to Allow Colorado Grocery, Convenience Stores Sell Wine
The measure also would let those stores stock full-strength beer.
Posted Nov 23, 2009

S.D. Smoking Ban Battle Continues
Smoking ban opponents have enough petition signatures for a vote by residents in November 2010.
Posted Nov 23, 2009

Philip Morris USA Sues Retailers to Stop Counterfeit Cigarette Sales
Since May 2009, Philip Morris has filed lawsuits against 27 retail locations in New York and New Jersey for selling counterfeit Marlboro brand cigarettes.
Posted Nov 20, 2009

California Health Groups Target Cigarette Tax
The groups want to raise the tax by a dollar to fund cancer research.
Posted Nov 18, 2009

Businesses Weary of Credit Card Fees
Interchange charges are eating up already slim profit margins of retailers.
Posted Nov 17, 2009

Colorado Proposal Would Redefine Candy, Soft Drinks
The governor wants to start taxing those items, but what constitutes candy or soda can be confusing.
Posted Nov 17, 2009

U.S. Retailers Face $191 Billion in Fraud Losses Each Year
LexisNexis True Cost of Fraud Study reveals that retail merchants experience 20 times higher total fraud losses than consumers.
Posted Nov 16, 2009

Sheetz Launches Beer Petition Drive
Convenience retailer is urging state lawmakers to update antiquated state laws regarding the sale of beer — or lack thereof — at retail.
Posted Nov 13, 2009

Vending Industry Concerned About Requirement to Label Calories
A provision in health-care reform legislation would require the vending industry to post nutritional information on their vending machines; implementation cost estimated at $56 million.
Posted Nov 12, 2009

Macon Consider Restrictions on Convenience Store Windows
Proposal would require 75 percent of a store's front windows to be clear and unobstructed, with the cash register visible from the outside.
Posted Nov 10, 2009

Fry's, Safeway Prepping For Possible Strike
Companies begin recruiting temporary workers in the event replacements are necessary.
Posted Nov 10, 2009

Judge Denies Challenge to New Tobacco Regulations
Several tobacco companies had filed a lawsuit to stop the FDA from enforcing the new rules.
Posted Nov 9, 2009

Multistate Lotteries Blurring Lines
The division between Powerball and Mega Millions will become fuzzier because of a cross-selling arrangement.
Posted Nov 9, 2009

Giant Eagle Opens ‘Disney Land of Grocery Stores’
Retailer unveils its third Market District location inspired by the open-air markets of Europe.
Posted Nov 6, 2009

Ninety Years Young
Wawa employee celebrates her 90th birthday at the Wawa store she began working at when she was 78.
Posted Nov 6, 2009

Tennessee to Join Mega Millions
Multi-state lottery game is projected to add up to $15 million a year to state revenues.
Posted Nov 5, 2009

New York Water Bottle Deposit Now in Effect
Retailers say they have to pass along the extra cost to consumers because the state is taking a much bigger share of unredeemed deposits.
Posted Nov 4, 2009

Arkansas Lawmakers Express Concern Over Lottery Sales
Lawmakers are concerned that the lottery could worsen the economic situation.
Posted Nov 4, 2009

Michigan Lottery Sees Sales Increase in Hard Times
Michigan’s lottery sales grew 2 percent in the most recent fiscal year, with more than $2 billion in sales.
Posted Nov 3, 2009

Sales of Wine, Beer Up at Retail Locations
Americans are giving the neighborhood bar a pass in order to stock up on drinks for home consumption.
Posted Nov 2, 2009

Viewpoint with Lockwood Phillips
The panel formed to look into the state’s alcohol control laws adjourned without resolving the issue of wine sales in grocery stores.
Posted Nov 2, 2009

Costco Expands Food Stamp Program Nationwide
Accepting food stamps at six New York City stores earlier this year led to increases in memberships and sales.
Posted Oct 30, 2009

New York Considers Collecting Indian Cigarette Taxes
State officials are eyeing unpaid taxes on cigarettes sold by Native American tribes to non-Indians as a source of revenue. Also, state grants bottled water sell-through extension.
Posted Oct 28, 2009

Billy Carter Gas Station to Become Historic Site
The service station, now a museum, would be added to the National Park Service site honoring President Jimmy Carter.
Posted Oct 28, 2009

Taco Bell Offers Halloween Treats Nationwide
Taco Bell to give free Black Jack Tacos to celebrate the World Series and Halloween.
Posted Oct 27, 2009

Small Operator Success and Opportunities
Suppliers identify opportunities to service small c-store operators at NACS Show workshop.
Posted Oct 21, 2009

Walmart Focuses On Smaller Format
Walmart anticipates its smaller stores will help the company penetrate cities previously unwilling to accept its Supercenters.
Posted Oct 20, 2009

Good News in a Cup of Joe
The CEO of Safeway points to coffee habits as a good indicator of economic recovery.
Posted Oct 19, 2009

CarterEnergy, Convenience Store Industry Make Dreams Come True
The 12th Annual Convenience Store Open golf tournament raised $51,000 for a children’s charity.
Posted Oct 19, 2009

South L.A. Seeks Convenience Store Limit Over Obesity Concerns
Proposed new regulations are an outgrowth of last year’s restrictions on area fast-food restaurants.
Posted Oct 14, 2009

Tobacco Companies Challenge Mississippi Statute
The two companies filed action regarding a recently enacted amendment to the Mississippi tobacco tax law.
Posted Oct 14, 2009

Retailers Continue Interchange Fight
The merchant revolt gains traction every day.
Posted Oct 14, 2009

Powerball Comes to Massachusetts
Powerball game projected to kickoff in Massachusetts in the first half of 2010.
Posted Oct 13, 2009

Indiana Underage Alcohol Program Nabs Non-Compliant Retailers
Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers says that retailers need to step up screening efforts.
Posted Oct 13, 2009

Taxes Drive Tobacco Users to Illinois Border
Huge disparity in tobacco taxes between Illinois and Wisconsin creates a windfall for Illinois retailers located near the Wisconsin border.
Posted Oct 13, 2009

Public Hearing On Beer Tax Proposal Set For Today
If passed, the proposal would increase the tax on a bottle of beer by 2.4 cents.
Posted Oct 13, 2009

Dunkin’ Donuts Expands Asian Presence
Coffee chain opened two new stores in Shenzhen.
Posted Oct 9, 2009

Texas Food Stamps Program Needs Help
Federal officials say the Lone Star state’s food stamps program has applicant backlogs and high error rates.
Posted Oct 7, 2009

Little Shell Tribe Loses Tobacco Grant
Also, Oklahoma Supreme Court rules that the state could collect higher cigarette taxes from the Osage Nation and a New Jersey judge fines Red Jacket Tobacco for selling tax-free cigarettes over the Internet.
Posted Oct 7, 2009

Illinois Doctors Back Soda Tax
The pediatricians have joined a national lobbying effort to decrease the amount of soda consumed by children.
Posted Oct 7, 2009

Shop 'N Save Delivers Digital Coupons
Loyalty Perks card provides added value and additional savings in the store.
Posted Oct 6, 2009

Lottery Sales Boom Across Arkansas
Arkansas' new lottery is exceeding the expectations of lottery officials, generating more than $1.3 million per day in sales.
Posted Oct 6, 2009

Canadian Bill Worries Kentucky Tobacco Growers
Burley growers fear that Canada's flavored tobacco ban could jeopardize their exports.
Posted Oct 6, 2009

FDA to Collect Millions From Altria in Tobacco User Fees
The agency’s new Center for Tobacco Products is funded by U.S. tobacco companies.
Posted Oct 5, 2009

General Tobacco Appeals California Ruling
Tobacco company also answers Arkansas claim regarding payments under master settlement agreement.
Posted Sep 30, 2009

Some States Press to Prohibit Insurance Mandate
In more than 12 state legislatures, lawmakers are working to pass state constitutional amendments that would ban a requirement to make residents purchase health care.
Posted Sep 30, 2009

Mississippi Retailers Pursued by U.S. Attorney
Were convenience store operators targeted because of their Middle Eastern heritage?
Posted Sep 30, 2009

Indiana Liquor Stores Oppose Sunday Sales
For more than 70 years, residents have not been able to buy packaged alcohol on Sundays.
Posted Sep 29, 2009

California May Increase Deposits on Some Recyclables
Lawmakers passed a measure that would create or raise deposits on billions of containers.
Posted Sep 29, 2009

The Soda Tax Myth
An op-ed in The Washington Post points out five false beliefs about taxing soft drinks.
Posted Sep 29, 2009

Governments Eye Taxes, Fees to Balance Budgets
Both state and local governments are considering raising taxes and creating new ones to plug budget shortfalls.
Posted Sep 29, 2009

International Trade Commission Blocks Illegal Internet Cigarette Sales
Philip Morris USA prevails against overseas Internet cigarette sellers.
Posted Sep 28, 2009

Tennessee Retailers Warned Against Selling Single Cigarettes
State officials say that single cigarettes attract young people as an affordable way to start smoking.
Posted Sep 28, 2009

Indiana's Lottery Profits Drop 17.5 Percent
Decline is the nation’s highest. Recession and lack of large jackpots cited as contributing to the steep drop in sales and profits.
Posted Sep 28, 2009

Office Depot To Partner With Lil' Drug Store
Partnership will bring office supply products into convenience stores.
Posted Sep 25, 2009

1.6 Million Consumers Express Outrage Over Credit Card Fees
7-Eleven says that 1.6 million people signed petitions expressing their outrage over interchange fees.
Posted Sep 24, 2009

For Rent: Chief Financial Officer
Firms outsource a top job as a cheaper alternative to hiring their own executive.
Posted Sep 24, 2009

Deloitte Forecasts Flat Holiday Sales
Consumers are continuing to embrace thrift while retailers brace for a chilly season.
Posted Sep 23, 2009

Lottery Vendors Revving Up For Start Of Arkansas Games
Instant game kicks off next Monday; Powerball launches October 31.
Posted Sep 22, 2009

Coalition Is Again Eyeing Wine Sales in KY Grocery Stores
Optimism expressed that Kentucky’s legislature will consider its proposal during its January 2010 long session.
Posted Sep 22, 2009

Paid Sick Leave Legislation Before NYC Council
The measure would require local businesses with more than 10 employees to provide opportunity for earned paid sick time off.
Posted Sep 21, 2009

Kentucky Grocers Press on With Wine Sales
The retailers are trying one more time to pass legislation to allow the sale of wine in their stores.
Posted Sep 21, 2009

San Francisco Bill Calls for Soft Drink Fee
The mayor wants to charge retailers a fee to sell sugary beverages.
Posted Sep 21, 2009

Washington Post Raises Awareness over Interchange Fees
Sept. 17 article comes at a good time -- with Congress back in session.
Posted Sep 18, 2009

NY Retailers Get Temporary Restraining Order on Tobacco Fees
A state Supreme Court justice will allow retailers to file 2010 registration renewals under the old fee structure.
Posted Sep 18, 2009

Forecast: Retailers Cautious About Holiday Hiring
Analysts expect only a modest increase from last year, which experienced the lowest holiday employment growth in nearly twenty years.
Posted Sep 18, 2009

Supermarkets Lower Prices
The price of staples, such as corn, have dropped enough to impact product cost.
Posted Sep 18, 2009

Proactive Strategy for Preparing Your Business to Handle H1N1 Flu
Free webinar tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. EDT; registration required.
Posted Sep 17, 2009

NY Indian Smoke Shops Feel the Heat
Judge’s ruling requires Indian reservation smoke shops to begin collecting tobacco taxes on sales to non-Indians by September 24.
Posted Sep 17, 2009

Certain Cigarette Flavoring a No-No
The FDA reminds the tobacco industry that cigarettes can no longer contain certain characterizing flavors.
Posted Sep 16, 2009

Coke CEO Calls Soda Tax ‘Outrageous’
The chairman responded to President Obama’s opinion that he would consider such a tax.
Posted Sep 16, 2009

Aldi Continues to Eschew Credit Cards
Nearly all of the grocer’s locations accept only cash and debit cards.
Posted Sep 16, 2009

What’s the Deal With Sin Taxes?
Budget constraints and the obesity epidemic are behind the sudden influx of food and beverage taxes.
Posted Sep 16, 2009

Grocery Store Tax Incentive May Create More Than 3,000 Jobs
Tax breaks may generate up to $852 million in new retail sales.
Posted Sep 15, 2009

Portland Retailers Air Concerns Over Panhandling, Sidewalk Traffic
Court ruling that struck down the city’s “sit-lie” ordinance has led to a surge in panhandling that is affecting Portland’s retailers.
Posted Sep 15, 2009

New York Stores Brace for Bottle Recycling
Some stores are predicting a 30 percent increase in volume because of a new state law adding water beverages to the bottle deposit list.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

A&P CEO Envisions Diverse Future
The supermarket chain will be reinventing itself with four new concepts.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

Snapple Brings Back Mint Tea
The beverage is being re-introduced for a limited time since its discontinuation in 2007.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

C-Store Cattle Drive
A few parade “participants” veer off course and into a convenience store.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

Small Business Group To Host Virtual Summit
National Federation of Independent Business’ first virtual summit will focus on health care and the economy.
Posted Sep 14, 2009

Illinois Governor Proposes Higher Cigarette Excise Tax
Gov. Quinn says a doubling of the tax would be used to fund a college program that’s running out of money.
Posted Sep 11, 2009

Roll Your Own Machine Causes Angst
New Hampshire tobacco retailer is coming under fire for allowing customers to roll their own cigarettes.
Posted Sep 11, 2009

D.C. Council Proposes Single Cigar Sales Ban
The ban is intended to curb illegal drug use, but would ultimately punish retailers and law-abiding customers.
Posted Sep 11, 2009

GACS Launches Small Operator Membership Program
“E-Membership” provides email correspondence to assist Georgia’s growing segment of single-store operators.
Posted Sep 10, 2009

Pret a Manger Announces Expansion Plans
U.K.-based sandwich chain steps up U.S. expansion plans with new stores coming to New York, Washington and Chicago.
Posted Sep 10, 2009

Florida Cigarette Sales Plummet
Since July, when the tax rose to $1, the state has seen sales of cigarettes plunge 28 percent.
Posted Sep 9, 2009

Florida Adds Lottery Vending Machines
The state has installed 1,000 ticket vending machines primarily at supermarkets.
Posted Sep 9, 2009

Tesco Invests in Future U.S. Growth
This year, the grocer has acquired nearly 50 store sites in California and Nevada after vowing to slow the pace of store openings.
Posted Sep 9, 2009

Oregon Lottery Hopes Slot Machines Will Entice Players Back
The state’s lottery has been in a slump recently and hopes its new casino-style slot machines will generate renewed interest among players.
Posted Sep 8, 2009

Restaurants Eye Licensing Deals
More food establishments are considering branching out to sell food at retail.
Posted Sep 8, 2009

Walmart to Pay Employees With Check...Cards
Walmart workers can receive earnings electronically in the form of credit to a MasterCard debit card.
Posted Sep 4, 2009

Smaller Firms Continue Cutting Back
U.S. small businesses cut back on workers in August, marking 19 consecutive months of job cuts.
Posted Sep 4, 2009

Clay County Convenience Stores Start Selling Beer
Town residents voted in August to allow retailers and restaurants to sell alcohol.
Posted Sep 4, 2009

It’s Flu Shot Time
Drugstores begin administering flu shots early this year as demand is expected to increase.
Posted Sep 3, 2009

Down Under Going Up In Smokes
Cigarettes prices in Australia would increase to $20 per pack under new plan.
Posted Sep 3, 2009

7-Eleven Australia Introduces Cook-to-Order Food and Barista-Prepared Java
Sydney and Melbourne pilot stores launch on-the-go food concept.
Posted Sep 3, 2009

Tobacco Companies Challenge Tobacco Act
Several companies file a lawsuit to protect their right to communicate with adult consumers about tobacco products.
Posted Sep 2, 2009

Wisconsin Cigarette Tax Goes Up Today
75-cents per pack increase makes Wisconsin’s cigarette tax the nation’s fifth highest.
Posted Sep 1, 2009

Illinois Tax Reclassifications Takes Effect Today
Retailers and consumers should expect confusion as higher rates for most candy and soda are imposed. Excise tax increases on beer, wine and spirits also take effect.
Posted Sep 1, 2009

NYACS Welcomes Court Ruling on Indian Tax-Free Cigarettes Sales
Paterson holds key to restoring tax fairness, but why won’t he use it?
Posted Aug 31, 2009

Report: Discount Retailers Poised To Benefit
Retail recovery is projected for next year, with those offering value leading the way.
Posted Aug 31, 2009

Recession or Not, Michigan Lottery Tickets Are Hot Sellers
Michigan lottery sales stand in sharp contrast to those in California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas.
Posted Aug 31, 2009

CWPMA Charity Event Exceeds $300K In Donations
CWPMA event raises money for Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
Posted Aug 31, 2009

Meth Makers Concoct New Formula to Avoid Laws
New formula calls for smaller amounts of cold pills and a two-liter soda bottle.
Posted Aug 28, 2009

Sheetz Opens New West Virginia Location
Convenience retailer adds a new store to the Wheeling, West Virginia, market.
Posted Aug 28, 2009

Bill Lets Mich. Towns Decide On Restaurant Smoking
Statewide bill to ban smoking is stalled in the state legislature, leaving one lawmaker to propose that counties, cities, townships and villages regulate themselves.
Posted Aug 27, 2009

Ark. Lotto Begins Licensing Retailers For Tickets
Arkansas Lottery Commission expected to award between 1,500 and 1,800 licenses to sell lottery tickets prior to the launch of the state’s lottery on September 28.
Posted Aug 27, 2009

Budget Negotiators In Accord To Raise Cigarette Tax
If passed, Connecticut’s cigarette tax would be the nation’s second highest.
Posted Aug 27, 2009

SD Lawmakers Consider Boosting Gas Tax, Fees
Legislators propose 10 cents per gallon gas tax increase and a doubling of the state’s annual vehicle registration fee.
Posted Aug 26, 2009

PA to Examine Candy and Gum for Tax Revenue
In seeking relief from the current budget crunch, Gov. Rendell looks at items that have been previously left untaxed.
Posted Aug 26, 2009

A Sweet and Sticky Mess
Starting Sept. 1, revisions to Illinois’s tax law goes into effect, which has left many merchants confused about what constitutes candy.
Posted Aug 25, 2009

Calls for Junk Food Tax on Rise
More groups are advocating for adding a “sin tax” on unhealthy foods, such as soft drinks and snack foods.
Posted Aug 25, 2009

Colorado Minimum Wage Could Decline in 2010
Along with 10 other states, Colorado tied its minimum wage to inflation.
Posted Aug 24, 2009

More Smokers Growing Tobacco
Fed up with skyrocketing taxes, some smokers are taking to the fields to plant their own tobacco crops.
Posted Aug 24, 2009

Sheetz Continues West Virginia Expansion
Retailer opens its third store in the state since June in Huntington.
Posted Aug 21, 2009

Dunkin’ Leads New York City Chain Stores
Study shows that Dunkin’ Donuts is the leader of the pack among national retail chains operating in NYC.
Posted Aug 21, 2009

Network Rivalry Sparks 10-Year Quadrupling of PIN-Debit Pricing
Interchange fees of PIN-debit transactions continue to rise but still lag behind signature-debit fees.
Posted Aug 20, 2009

FDA Approves Gluten-Free Beer Label
On Monday, the agency issued guidelines for non-barley beers.
Posted Aug 19, 2009

A Convenience Store for Bicyclers
A new retailer combines a bike shop with typical convenience store items.
Posted Aug 19, 2009

Chain Fights NYC Label Law
Houston’s refuses to post calorie content despite fines for noncompliance.
Posted Aug 19, 2009

Redbox Has Movie Studios Seeing Red
Dollar-per-day DVD rental kiosks have forced movie studios to reassess their financial expectations.
Posted Aug 18, 2009

Ruling Lets New York Collect Deposits on Bottles
New York will begin collecting 80 percent of the nickel deposits left unclaimed by consumers.
Posted Aug 18, 2009

New York Drops Tax Collection on Indian Cigarettes
Governor Paterson writes off revenue from reservation sales, setting off a sharp response from non-Indian retailers.
Posted Aug 18, 2009

N.Y. Fee Would Force Tobacco Vendors Out of Business
As part of the state’s budget, fees would increase 900 percent for small tobacco vendors.
Posted Aug 17, 2009

Healthy Food Possible on the Road
USA Today blogger says you can eat healthful foods at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants.
Posted Aug 17, 2009

QuikTrip Opens Second Free Health Clinic
The facility provides free services to about 790 area QuikTrip employees and their dependents.
Posted Aug 14, 2009

Glass Half Empty?
Recession has taken a toll on bottled water sales; environmentalists rejoice.
Posted Aug 14, 2009

Why Now Is Not the Time to Cut Costs
The problem isn't high operating expenses; it's low consumer demand.
Posted Aug 13, 2009

Louisiana Lawmaker Addresses Health Care Bill With Amendment
The legislator is sponsoring a constitutional amendment to protect Louisiana from any adverse effects from the current health care bills.
Posted Aug 12, 2009

Higher Taxes, Smoking Bans Concern Cigar Sellers
The owners of specialty tobacco shops try to differentiate themselves from cigarettes.
Posted Aug 12, 2009

Walgreen Looks to McDonald’s for Inspiration
The drug store aims to duplicate the fast-food giant’s success.
Posted Aug 12, 2009

FDA Regulation Could Benefit Big Tobacco, Experts Say
Regulation could require companies to incur costs that prove prohibitive for smaller tobacco manufacturers.
Posted Aug 11, 2009

Sam's Club Tests the Big-Box Bodega
Más Club opens its doors in Houston to much fanfare, along with able competitors.
Posted Aug 11, 2009

Walmart Vendor Cut Likely to Hit Small Players
Project Impact could mean supplier pairings or more 'orphan' brands.
Posted Aug 11, 2009

It’s Not Easy Being a Convenience Store Operator
Successful retailers meet their customers’ needs — and then some.
Posted Aug 10, 2009

Summertime Blues
This year, many small businesses can’t afford to take it easy this summer.
Posted Aug 10, 2009

Stores Still in Slump
Retailers report dismal sales for July.
Posted Aug 10, 2009

A&P Introduces Digital Coupons
Through its “Red Tag Online Savings” program, club-card members can link coupons to their loyalty cards.
Posted Aug 10, 2009

Coffeehouses Roll Up Welcome Mat for Laptops
More New York City coffee shops with free Wi-Fi are restricting laptop use or simply kicking laptop users to the curb to free up tables.
Posted Aug 10, 2009

You Call This Transparency?
Credit card industry creates a video that slams convenience stores.
Posted Aug 7, 2009

Small Businesses Hit With Job Losses
Businesses with less than 50 employees dropped about 138,000 workers from payroll in July.
Posted Aug 7, 2009

U.S. Senate Boosts Food Stamps as Unemployment Rises
Nearly one in nine Americans is now participating in a food stamp program.
Posted Aug 6, 2009

Michigan Governor Considers Beer, Cigarette Tax Increases
Leaked proposals draw fire from lawmakers and industry representatives.
Posted Aug 6, 2009

Southwest Florida Cigarette Sales Go Up In Smoke
Gas station tobacco sales are down 30 percent.
Posted Aug 6, 2009

At End of Food Chain, Salvage Grocers Thrive
Dented cans, crushed cereal boxes and past “sell-by” dates are all the rage for consumers.
Posted Aug 6, 2009

Krispy Kreme Launches Smaller Store
The doughnut chain debuts its inaugural Neighborhood Shop and Kremery in North Carolina.
Posted Aug 5, 2009

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...in August
Some retailers are banking on early shopping to boost sales for this holiday season.
Posted Aug 5, 2009

Redbox Expands Presence in Kroger Stores
The DVD rental kiosks will be in more than 2,600 Kroger-operated supermarkets and convenience stores by the end of 2010.
Posted Aug 5, 2009

Groups Call For Regulation of Caffeinated Alcohol Beverages
State attorneys general and health advocates want the federal government to reign in alcohol/caffeine drinks.
Posted Aug 5, 2009

Oregon AG Moves To Block 'E-Cigarette' Sales
Battery-operated nicotine delivery devices targeted.
Posted Aug 4, 2009

Justice Dept. Won't Seek Rehearing On Tobacco Case
Legal experts speculate that a review by the U.S. Supreme Court might be on the horizon.
Posted Aug 4, 2009

Back On The Table: Wine In Grocery Stores
Revised bill seeks to gain the favor of liquor store owners. Despite the new language, though, they are still unconvinced.
Posted Aug 4, 2009

Pennsylvania Lottery Achieves Near-Record Annual Sales; Record Instant Game Sales
Pennsylvania Lottery retailers earned $165 million in commissions during fiscal year 2008-09.
Posted Aug 4, 2009

Philip Morris Tests Roll-Your-Own Cigarettes
The tobacco manufacturer began selling loose L&M brand tobacco in Maine and Michigan this summer.
Posted Aug 3, 2009

NYACS Opposes Tobacco Warning Signs
The New York association filed written comments against an amendment that would make retailers display point-of-sale notices about the harmful effects of tobacco.
Posted Aug 3, 2009

Minimum Wage Increase Reduces Jobs
Studies show that when the starting-wage rises, companies lay off workers.
Posted Jul 31, 2009

Cigar Sales Decline
With increased smoking bans and higher taxes, cigar makers are struggling.
Posted Jul 31, 2009

Retailers Welcome Food Stamps
More stores, including convenience stores, are accepting the government aid stamps for groceries.
Posted Jul 31, 2009

Edmonds Bans Plastic Bags
The Washington city becomes the first in the state to outlaw plastic grocery bags.
Posted Jul 31, 2009

New York Reconsiders Sale of Wine in Food Stores
Democrats in the state Senate revived a bill that would let grocery stores sell wine.
Posted Jul 31, 2009

Circle K Promotes Interchange Fee Petition
The convenience store chain joins the fight on interchange by directing customers online and inside stores to sign petitions.
Posted Jul 30, 2009

QuikTrip Back Pay Issues Resolved
The convenience store chain had already paid affected workers the back pay due.
Posted Jul 30, 2009

California’s ABA Recommends Best Practices for Refrigerants
The state’s Air Resources Board is conducting research to develop case studies of refrigerant best management practices.
Posted Jul 30, 2009

South Dakota Smoking Ban on Hold
A judge issued a stay on enacting the ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, Deadwood casinos and video gaming establishments.
Posted Jul 30, 2009

Local Retailers Against Interchange Fees
More retailers are demanding that credit card companies lower transaction fees.
Posted Jul 29, 2009

Pleasing Customers Means Business
Companies are training employees to work harder at making customers happy.
Posted Jul 29, 2009

A Musical Determent
Some businesses turn up the volume to keep loiters away and crime down.
Posted Jul 29, 2009

Marketplace Money Reports on Credit Card Fees
The American Public Media radio program showcases 7-Eleven’s petition against interchange fees.
Posted Jul 28, 2009

Private Label Goes Organic
More grocery chains are rolling out natural and organic foods under their private-label banner.
Posted Jul 28, 2009

General Tobacco Introduces Wrangler Filter Cigars
The new brand of filtered cigars comes in full, lights and menthol styles.
Posted Jul 28, 2009

Tobacco Companies Test ‘Safe’ Cigarettes
Manufacturers are investigating so-called safer cigarettes that purport to lower levels of toxic chemicals.
Posted Jul 28, 2009

7-Eleven Reveals California Expansion Plans
The convenience store chain will add 600 stores by 2016.
Posted Jul 27, 2009

Federal Minimum Wage Increases 70 Cents Today
Some economists say the hike could force small businesses to downsize workers.
Posted Jul 24, 2009

FDA Takes Aim at E-Cigarettes
The agency is considering a range of enforcement actions, including recalls or criminal sanctions.
Posted Jul 24, 2009

Philip Morris Launches New Cigarette
Blend No. 54 makes its debut as the 15th Marlboro variety.
Posted Jul 24, 2009

States Go To War on Cigarette Smuggling
States seek to thwart bootlegging and recoup $5 billion in annual lost tax revenue.
Posted Jul 22, 2009

Kansas Lottery Sales Decline; North Carolina’s Rises
Kansas lottery officials partly blame the economy for the drop, while North Carolina posted a 19 percent increase in its lottery sales.
Posted Jul 20, 2009

Navigating Your Business Through the Recession
Small business expert Rieva Lesonsky gives tips on how to stay afloat in this challenging economy.
Posted Jul 20, 2009

Retailer Creates ‘Small Town’ Atmosphere
Liberty Convenience Store features a relaxed, safe environment for customers.
Posted Jul 17, 2009

NOCO Express Offers Savings at the Pump
Company introduces new customer loyalty and EZ Pay program.
Posted Jul 16, 2009

7-Eleven Sees Opportunity to Open More Doors
Retailer’s expansion leverages the ‘weak’ commercial real estate market.
Posted Jul 16, 2009

Walgreens Seeks Beer, Wine Sales at Wisconsin Stores
Wisconsin is one of the drug store chain’s first targets in its plan to sell alcohol nationwide.
Posted Jul 16, 2009

Soaring Healthcare Costs Make Small Businesses Sick
The increased amount of healthcare expenses are causing some entrepreneurs to change or eliminate coverage — or even not start a business.
Posted Jul 15, 2009

Food Lion Shifts Focus to Latino Stores
The grocer is beginning to switch existing stores to a new format catering to the Hispanic shopper.
Posted Jul 15, 2009

Want to Boost Sales? Dress Like Cows!
Chik-Fil-A's giveaways, stunts — and well-played grassroots strategy — succeed without big marketing budget.
Posted Jul 14, 2009

Cookie Dough Mystery May Never Be Solved
Only “minor problems” have been uncovered at Nestlé’s production facility, leaving inspectors baffled as to the origin of the food poisoning.
Posted Jul 14, 2009

California Addresses Small-Business Identity Theft
The state’s amended identity theft laws offer protections to smaller companies.
Posted Jul 13, 2009

Private Labels Capture More Food Dollars
A new study by NPD Group found that store branded products took 24 percent of the food and beverage shelf space.
Posted Jul 13, 2009

Forcing Healthy Habits
One company gives employees the ultimatum to get checkups or lose their health insurance.
Posted Jul 10, 2009

Swiss Farms Takes on Supermarkets
Retailer strives to become ‘America’s Drive-Thru Grocer.’
Posted Jul 10, 2009

Editorial: Price Gouging Law More Posture Than Policy
Price gouging laws stem more from political posturing than attempts to correct commercial missteps, Michigan news source argues.
Posted Jul 9, 2009

Food Prices Keep Sliding Lower
Market basket survey shows retail food products saw a drop for the third consecutive quarter.
Posted Jul 9, 2009

Using Rewards to Keep Workers Happy
During times of staff reductions and cutbacks, some employers are adding perks to help the remaining employees navigate the tough times.
Posted Jul 8, 2009

Traditional Supermarkets Struggle to Retain Consumers
A new report suggests that changes in food buying habits spell trouble for grocers.
Posted Jul 8, 2009

Arkansas Joins Powerball
Tickets for the multi-state Powerball lottery games could go on sale later this year.
Posted Jul 8, 2009

7-Eleven Launches Petition Drive to Fight Interchange Fees
Unprecedented campaign with 6,300 U.S. stores aims to deliver 1 million customer signatures to Congress.
Posted Jul 7, 2009

Beer Tastings May Soon Be Legal in N.C.
Free beer could be coming to North Carolina’s grocery stores.
Posted Jul 7, 2009

Sunday Liquor Sales Advocates Regrouping For 2010
Overshadowed by budget, issue will be studied this summer.
Posted Jul 7, 2009

Aussie Smokes Could Hit $20 (AUS) Per Pack
Australia’s effort to reduce smoking could have die-hards reaching for their wallets, shelling out roughly $16 US per pack.
Posted Jul 7, 2009

Hoosiers for Choice Announces Membership Drive
Group asks consumers to help their effort to modernize Indiana’s alcoholic beverage laws.
Posted Jul 6, 2009

More States Go After Unused Gift Cards
Faced with declining tax receipts and increasing debt, some states are grabbing unused gift cards to bring in more revenue.
Posted Jul 6, 2009

Cigarette Tax Hikes Leads Man to Plant Tobacco
An Ohio smoker now has 7,000 plants that he will cure in a corn crib.
Posted Jul 6, 2009

Bill Would Reduce Taxes for Small Businesses
Sen. Charles Grassley’s proposal would lower the tax burden to help small businesses create jobs.
Posted Jul 6, 2009

FDA Seeks Public Input on Tobacco Regulation
Meanwhile, industry experts and academics offer opinions on the new regulation in the Los Angeles Times.
Posted Jul 2, 2009

Cameras Could Be Mandatory at D.C. Gas Stations
The city council has preliminarily approved a bill that would make retailers install video surveillance at all pumps.
Posted Jul 2, 2009

Canada’s Senate Tables Report on Credit and Debit Card Fees
The Stop Sticking It To Us coalition commends Senate’s recognition for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s debit and credit markets.
Posted Jul 2, 2009

Walmart Supports Employer Contributions in Healthcare
The nation’s biggest private employer announces its endorsement of a bill that would require companies to chip in for employee health insurance.
Posted Jul 2, 2009

Florida’s Cigarette Tax Goes Up $1
The cost of cigarettes goes jumps to $1.34 per pack today.
Posted Jul 1, 2009

D.C. Region Losing Gas Stations
In recent years, close to 1,000 stations have shut down in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Posted Jul 1, 2009

N.J. Station Owners Upset About Equipment Requirements
Private stations that provide N.J. motor vehicle inspections must purchase $8,000 worth of emissions-testing machines.
Posted Jun 30, 2009

New Law Allows N.H. Liquor Commission to Expand
The agency will open eight new locations in grocery or convenience stores.
Posted Jun 30, 2009

Virginia Law Gives Small Businesses Healthcare Options
Starting tomorrow, the bill allows companies with less than 50 employees to purchase insurance plans without some of the items the state requires plans to cover.
Posted Jun 30, 2009

Redbox Leads the Pack
The movie dispenser has become king of the rental kiosks.
Posted Jun 30, 2009

NYC Proposes Anti-Smoking Signs
About 12,000 retailers would be required to post anti-smoking signs with gruesome images.
Posted Jun 29, 2009

Utah Retailers Keep Tobacco Away From Teens
Recent checks in three counties reveal a 95 percent compliance rate.
Posted Jun 29, 2009

Meijer to Debut Smaller Format in Chicago
Suburban Chicago store to feature greater emphasis on grocery and focus on products geared toward diverse local community.
Posted Jun 29, 2009

Wawa Stays Afloat During Recession
Wawa CEO credits the company’s strong focus on value and its people to weather the economy.
Posted Jun 26, 2009

Citi, ExxonMobil Offer Daily Cash Giveaway
Card members are entered to win the daily $2,000 cash prize when making a purchase on their ExxonMobil card.
Posted Jun 26, 2009

Road Trip!
The ‘Today’ show calls Pops, a one-of-a-kind convenience store on Route 66, a summer destination.
Posted Jun 25, 2009

States Go After Cigarette Tax Dodgers
Online and Native Americans cigarette retailers that attempt to avoid local taxes are now in the crosshairs of states that want to recoup lost tax revenue.
Posted Jun 25, 2009

E-Z Mart Sponsors Scholarship Program
Program helps support higher education for children or dependents of current E-Z Mart employees.
Posted Jun 25, 2009

Walgreens Taps Beer, Wine Sales
Company applies for local licenses and revamps computer system to accommodate alcohol sales.
Posted Jun 25, 2009

Fuel Retailers Brace for Higher Fraud Costs, More Chargebacks
Both MasterCard and Visa make changes to their procedures regarding PCI and chargebacks.
Posted Jun 24, 2009

Canadian Proposal Irks U.S. Tobacco Advocates
A Canadian proposal would ban the sale of fruit- and candy-flavored tobacco, prohibiting a number of American brands from being sold in Canada.
Posted Jun 24, 2009

Sheetz Calls for Beer Legislation Reform
Sheetz CEO cites “backward, outdated” Pennsylvania beer and alcohol laws in his appeal.
Posted Jun 23, 2009

What Do They Do Right?
Retail consultant George Whalin profiles successful independent retailers.
Posted Jun 23, 2009

Lookout, Netflix; Redbox Gaining Ground
Netflix CEO concedes that by year’s end, DVD rental kiosks will be the company’s number one competitor.
Posted Jun 23, 2009

Recession-Troubled States Target Tobacco
Some states eye tobacco taxes to boost revenues, but will it work?
Posted Jun 19, 2009

Caught in the Act!
Local police will issue ‘Slurpee Tickets’ to kids in more than 250 cities for their good deeds.
Posted Jun 19, 2009

Philadelphia Rejects Plastic Bag Ban
City Council says no to a bill to ban plastic grocery bags throughout Philadelphia.
Posted Jun 19, 2009

Sheetz Loses Takeout-Only Beer Case
State Supreme Court rules that retail-dispenser license requires some beer to be consumed within the store.
Posted Jun 18, 2009

Cumberland Farms Funds Cancer Research
Company to donate five cents for every coffee sold in July to Children’s Hospital Boston.
Posted Jun 18, 2009

Walmart To Test E-Play Game Kiosks
Kiosks will offer video game rentals as well as DVD rentals where there are no Redbox conflicts.
Posted Jun 18, 2009

Stater Bros. Announces New Lower Prices
Southern California retailer is cutting prices on more than 10,000 products.
Posted Jun 18, 2009

ADA Ruling Could Hurt Businesses
The California Supreme Court ruling allows businesses to be sued for damages if they do not have accommodations for the disabled, even if there’s no discrimination.
Posted Jun 17, 2009

California Lawmakers Eye Tax Hikes
To meet budget demands, some legislators are advocating raising taxes on the tobacco and oil industries.
Posted Jun 17, 2009

Retailers Question Tobacco Regulation
Illinois retailers are concerned how recently passed FDA tobacco legislation will affect them.
Posted Jun 16, 2009

Health Experts Applaud Soda Tax Idea
While it’s unlikely that Congress will approve such a tax to fund healthcare reform, health advocates say this type of tax can reduce soft drink consumption.
Posted Jun 16, 2009

Iowa Retailers Cleared in Lottery Fraud
Approximately 200 locations selling lottery tickets were found to have processed no improper prize payments.
Posted Jun 16, 2009

Retail Clinics Gain Ground
More Americans are stopping by in-store clinics to meet their healthcare needs.
Posted Jun 16, 2009

N.C. Budget Could Harm Small Business Owners
A House committee passed a bill that includes several tax hikes.
Posted Jun 15, 2009

Open Up and Say “Baa!”
Columnist says card companies treat customers like sheep.
Posted Jun 12, 2009

NC Panel Eyes Taxes
Proposal seeks a sales-tax increase from 6.75 percent to 7 percent and a cigarette tax increase of 25 cents per pack.
Posted Jun 11, 2009

‘Operation Rollback’ Targets NY Tobacco Fee
New York retailers join to undo huge tobacco registration fees in the state’s budget.
Posted Jun 10, 2009

Lottery Vending Machine Coming Back to Florida Supermarkets
Machines begin rolling out in mid-August and will be available only in supermarkets.
Posted Jun 9, 2009

Aldermen at Odds over Gas Station Alcohol Licenses
Narrow council vote reflects a concern for sales to minors.
Posted Jun 9, 2009

7-Eleven Launches New Franchising Web Site
The site is for retailers looking to convert existing operations to the 7-Eleven brand.
Posted Jun 8, 2009

Delaware Considers Grocery Sale of Beer, Wine
However, the bill’s restrictions would preclude convenience stores from carrying beer and wine.
Posted Jun 8, 2009

Inventory Savings
Small businesses can cut costs by looking into inventory management.
Posted Jun 8, 2009

Virginia Supreme Court Rules on Lottery Accessibility
The state’s high court unanimously contended that Virginia Lottery games must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Posted Jun 8, 2009

Sheetz Opens New Stores
New stores improve service to loyal customers, expand foodservice offer.
Posted Jun 5, 2009

BP’s ampm Brews Teas for $2 Promotion
Essence teas are slated to launch in eastern U. S. marketing areas in September.
Posted Jun 5, 2009

Cigarette Smuggler Nabbed, Pleads Guilty
Man found guilty of smuggling more than 77,000 cartons purchased in Virginia and re-selling in New York, New Jersey.
Posted Jun 5, 2009

Mississippi Considers Adding to Tobacco Tax
The governor eyes raising the tax on cigarettes made by small manufacturers to shore up the budget.
Posted Jun 3, 2009

No Visa Allowed
A Florida tax collector’s office refuses to accept Visa credit or debit cards to avoid paying processing fees.
Posted Jun 3, 2009

Subway, Dunkin', 7-Eleven Rank Among Top Franchises
AllBusiness AllStar Franchise ranks the top 300 franchise companies.
Posted Jun 2, 2009

California Town Takes on Single Beer Sales
San Bernardino officials consider restricting single beer sales to help reduce crime.
Posted Jun 2, 2009

Franchisors, Franchisees Clash Over First Option to Buy Bill
New Jersey legislation would allow franchisees the first option to buy if their station goes up for sale.
Posted Jun 2, 2009

Organic Dairy Industry on the Ropes
Dairy farmers are being told to cut production by 20 percent, with many shutting down.
Posted Jun 2, 2009

Pennies Add Up Quickly
Credit card companies win with higher fees – and everyone else loses.
Posted Jun 1, 2009

Judge Rules N.Y. Bottle Law Unconstitutional
Enforcement of the state law delayed following the decision last week.
Posted Jun 1, 2009

Obama Backs Advanced Biofuels
The president also says corn ethanol should stay a viable source.
Posted Jun 1, 2009

Red Bull Simply Cola Is Safe
Red Bull confirms that all ingredients in its Red Bull Simply Cola are safe.
Posted May 28, 2009

California to Debate $1.50 Cigarette Tax Increase
In June, lawmakers will consider a bill to raise the state’s cigarette tax from 87 cents per pack to $1.50 per pack.
Posted May 27, 2009

New Law Establishes Rules for Gift Cards
New rules will affect all retailers who sell, accept or issue gift cards and certificates.
Posted May 27, 2009

N.J. Legislature Considers Liquor Sales in Grocery Stores
With the state’s budget in trouble, a measure to allow supermarkets to stock wine and beer could pass.
Posted May 27, 2009

Retail Clinics Target Small Businesses
Some clinic chains are offering small companies its services as a way to keep healthcare costs more manageable.
Posted May 27, 2009

R.J. Reynolds May Appeal in Racketeering Affirmation
Part of the ruling also stated the appellate court’s agreement that tobacco companies could not be forced to use profits to fund smoking cessation programs.
Posted May 27, 2009

Appeals Court Sides with NACS on Tobacco Advertising
U.S. Court of Appeals vacated a prior ruling requiring retailers to post messages in their stores relating to health effects of tobacco products.
Posted May 26, 2009

Seattle Stores Promote Use of Reusable Bags
As part of a voluntary program, local grocers encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.
Posted May 26, 2009

Obama Signs Credit Card Law
The bill prevents companies from increasing interest rates on a whim and restricts fee charges.
Posted May 26, 2009

Harris Teeter Opens Green Store
The EPA awards the new store with GreenChill’s Gold-Level certification.
Posted May 26, 2009

Soft Drinks: A Sweet Tax Appeal
NY Times columnist David Leonhardt talks about why soda is the next frontier of taxes.
Posted May 26, 2009

7-Eleven Charts Aggressive Growth Plan
Convenience store chain plans to add 200 new stores in 2009, 30 more than it opened last year.
Posted May 22, 2009

CEO: New Products Key for Tobacco Company
As cigarette sales decline, Altria makes a strong push with snuff and cigars.
Posted May 22, 2009

Quiznos Rolls Out Loan Program for Franchisees
Program will help franchisees expand their businesses.
Posted May 22, 2009

Albertsons Announces Price Cuts
The Southern California grocery chain hopes to lure back budget-minded shoppers lost to Walmart, Target and other discounters.
Posted May 22, 2009

Canada’s A&P to Charge Per Bag
A five-cents-per-bag surcharge kicks off June 1.
Posted May 22, 2009

Louisiana Considers Requiring Gas Stations to Install Generators
Proposal fails to address equipment costs and the financial implications to store owners.
Posted May 21, 2009

Doyle Signs WI State Smoking Ban Into Law
Law takes effect July 5, 2010, and applies to public workplaces, bars, and restaurants.
Posted May 21, 2009

Senate Approves Credit Card Bill
Legislation does not include NACS-supported discount for debit amendment.
Posted May 20, 2009

Illinois Considers Raising Alcohol Taxes
Legislators eye taxes on beer, wine and liquor to generate revenue for a $26 billion construction program.
Posted May 19, 2009

Obama Praises Retailers’ Healthcare Solutions
Innovative employee healthcare and wellness programs bring “positive, lasting changes to America’s healthcare system.”
Posted May 19, 2009

Supervalu, Safeway Battle May Signal Price Shift
Value pricing strategy is complicated by food manufacturers standing pat on product costs.
Posted May 19, 2009

7-Eleven Plans Aggressive Expansion
The company expects to add more than 200 new stores this year in the Unites States and Canada.
Posted May 18, 2009

Consumers Responsible For Food Safety
Food manufacturers are asking consumers to cook foods enough to kill pathogens, as it becomes more difficult for companies to guarantee food safety.
Posted May 18, 2009

Massachusetts Approves Menu Rules
The state will have the toughest restaurant menu labeling regulations in the country.
Posted May 18, 2009

North Carolina, Wisconsin OK Smoking Bans
Both governors support the bills and are expected to sign them.
Posted May 18, 2009

Jobless Claims and Wholesale Prices Climb
Unemployment rises, recession continues to affect wholesalers in latest week.
Posted May 15, 2009

Mississippi Governor Signs Cigarette Tax Bill
Cigarette tax will rise 50 cents to 68-cents per pack, the state’s first increase since 1985.
Posted May 15, 2009

Stater Bros. CEO Reveals Recession-Coping Strategies
“Sometimes a ‘Hello’ will be the nicest thing that’ll happen to a customer all day long.”
Posted May 15, 2009

Texas Senate Panel OKs Statewide Smoking Ban
Ban would prohibit smoking in nearly all indoor and public workspaces, including restaurants and bars.
Posted May 14, 2009

New York Stores, Restaurants Fuming Over Floor Tax
Beer and wine purchased by retailers and wholesalers prior to May 1 will be assessed a one-time floor tax.
Posted May 14, 2009

Supermarkets Housing Hospital-Run Clinics
Hospitals are beginning to see the appeal of walk-in clinics.
Posted May 13, 2009

Target Adds Fresh Foods
The retailer is expanding its grocery section to stop a slide in sales.
Posted May 13, 2009