Convenience Stores

Visa Inc. is doing its best to usher in the cashless future.    The credit card giant has announced a new initiative, called the Visa Cashless Challenge, which will incentivize small merchants to move away from cash payments. Using an application-based format, Visa will award approximately $10,000 each to 50 eligible U.S.-based small business food service owners, including food truck owners.  

When it comes to energy-efficient refrigeration systems, Sprouts Farmers Market is on the leading edge of technology.    Hillphoenix said it has installed the first CO2 Booster System with ejector technology in North America at Sprouts' store in Woodstock, Georgia. The supplier is the first manufacturer in North America to introduce the technology as developed by Danfoss in the marketplace.  

Starbucks associates have a new leader to advocate for their labor needs and well-being.   Lucy Helm was named chief partner officer, a role she has been serving on an interim basis. As the chief partner lead she will head up the company’s Partner Resources Organization (PRO), an internal group that advocates for Starbucks associates across the enterprise worldwide, whether they work in the store, support center or Starbucks manufacturing plants.  

In the age of evolving consumer preferences enabled by digital technologies, customers continue demanding convenience and ease of use while shopping online. Additionally, they want instant gratification of purchasing items in the store and, increasingly, a combination of the two. To this effect, the buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) option, or click and collect experience, has become a key component of customer satisfaction, loyalty and revenue growth.  

The Kroger Co. has named a veteran of discount grocer Aldi to Kroger's own low-cost division.    Kroger on Wednesday appointed Liz Ferneding as president of Ruler, effective July 31. She succeeds Paul Bowen, who retired in May.  

Skilken/Gold has announced the sale of six Neighborhood Market stores, one of which was a prototype of Walmart’s new design for its grocery store concept.   The Louisiana stores all average about 42,000 sq. ft., including the Baton Rouge location that emerged from Walmart’s “build-to-suit” program initiated in 2014.   The Hampshire Companies and a South Korean partner acquired the properties for $78 million.   

Is True Value on the block?  

A former Advance Auto and Starbucks executive has joined the executive team of the nation's largest bookstore chain.    Barnes & Noble said that Carl Hauch has been named VP stores, effective immediately. Hauch will be responsible for the entire retail store organization and profitable growth of the business, driving sales, training, developing talent and recruitment.     

Baskin-Robbins is making sure its customers get their ice cream fix exactly when they crave it.   On July 6, the quick service company launched a service that enables customers in 22 cities to order ice cream online and have it delivered in under an hour. Through its partnership with DoorDash, Baskin-Robbins shoppers can order a variety of frozen treats — from pre-packed quarts to sundaes — either online or via the DoorDash mobile app. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.     

In 2000, the population of Conroe, Texas, north of Houston, was under 40,000. Today, the city named the fastest-growing in America (per U.S. Census Bureau) counts more than 80,000 citizens and newcomers are spilling over into neighboring communities.