Convenience Stores

Washington Spotlight: Recess Isn’t So Fun Anymore
With Congress in recess this week, legislators can finally take a break from the grind of D.C. politics – fighting with the other party, fighting with their own party, and of course, the spotlight of a relentless national media. But in a lot of cases, members may have it better in D.C. than back home.
Detroit power center changes hands
Shelby Crossings, a 76,390-sq.-ft. power center in the Detroit suburb of Utica, has been acquired by Beverly Hills, Michigan-based Grand Management & Development. Mid-America Real Estate Corp., which represented the seller in the transaction, could not disclose the price. The property features the Bed Bath & Beyond subsidiaries Christmas Tree Shops and BuyBuy Baby, and is surrounded by a larger regional center anchored by Target and Planet Fitness.

Former Hhgregg exec to head up operations for sporting goods retailer

Academy Sports + Outdoors is bolstering its executive team. The sporting good chain appointed Sam Johnson as its executive VP of retail operations, effective April 24. In his new role, Johnson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Academy's more than 225 stores, as well as lead the store support team.
Regional drug chain chief exec resigns

Bartel Drugs is on the hunt for a new CEO. Brian Unmacht resigned his post two weeks ago after two years on the job, senior communications manager Ric Brewer confirmed to Drug Store News. “He left Bartells two-weeks ago to pursue professional and personal goals that he has,” Brewer said. “Our Executive Team is now running day-to-day operations until the search for a new CEO begins.”
Unemployment dips to 4.5%, but retail jobs continue to take a hit

The country’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5% in March, but a volatile retail landscape continues to negatively impact merchant’s payrolls. The U.S. economy added 98,000 jobs last month, versus 180,000 expected by economists surveyed by Reuters. However, the number of unemployed persons declined by 326,000 to 7.2 million.
Report: Fred’s could receive cash infusion to help purchase Rite Aid stores

Fred’s plan to purchase at least 865 divested Rite Aid stores may be getting a step closer to becoming a reality. More than one prominent investor has recently approached Fred’s Pharmacy with the intention of investing money in the operator of 601 locations in 16 states, according to the New York Post.
Study: Amazon tops total market growth for U.S. sales of household items

Amazon is gaining a significantly larger share-of-wallet for everyday household items — and the retailer continues to build momentum.
Convenience store giant makes $3.3 billion acquisition

7-Eleven has accelerated its U.S. expansion by entering into the largest acquisition in its history. The c-store retailer has agreed to buy the Sunoco chain of gas stations, which includes some 1,108 convenience stores located in 18 states, for a reported $3.3 billion.
Walgreens confident about Rite Aid deal

Walgreens is still confident in its ability to close the Rite Aid transaction, but will force the issue if it comes to that, Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO Walgreens Boots Alliance, told analysts Wednesday morning.
Mexican convenience store empowers associates with information

The key to delivering top-notch customer service — and responding to changes in the shopping experience — is to give associates visibility into information.
Blockbuster restaurant deal

Panera Bread has been acquired by a European firm with a growing U.S. presence. The fast-casual bakery/café brand has agreed to be acquired by JAB Holding Company, the investment arm of the Reimanns of Germany, for $7.5 billion, including the assumption of about $340 million in debt. JAB’s U.S. holdings include Krispy Kreme Caribou Coffee, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Keurig Green Mountain.
Noted industry veteran rejoins R.J. Brunelli

When Michael Murphy started his career as a mall marketing director with Ernest W. Hahn in California, the Beatles had just recently broken up and enclosed malls were the new wave in retail. Now, after four years as director of retail services at Cushman & Wakefield, Murphy has returned to R. J. Brunelli & Co.to take up his former position as senior sales associate.