Convenience Stores

Pep Boys trying to get back on track
Despite lower gas prices and an increase in the average age of U.S. cars on the road, Pep Boys posted a wider loss in the fourth quarter.

The auto parts chain had a loss of $26.7 million, or 50 cents a share, vs. a loss of $3.33 million, or 6 cents a share, a year earlier. The latest results included a net charge of $12.4 million for write-downs and severance expenses.
Another retailer matches Walmart wages
Pennsylvania-based food retailers Giant and Martin’s Food Stores said they will begin paying all non-union workers a minimum of $9 a hour beginning in June.

The operator of 200 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia said the move was part of the company’s commitment to provide competitive wages.

"Our associates are the foundation of our success, and we have always believed in paying competitive wages to attract the best talent," said Tom Lenkevich, Giant/Martin’s president.

Army and Air Force Exchange to install 6,000 NCR POS terminals

Duluth, Ga. -- NCR Corporation announced that the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) will replace 6,000 point-of-sale terminals with NCR RealPOS 72XRT systems. The new technology will replace non-NCR terminals in both its retail and food services locations, and will be maintained globally by NCR Services.

The Exchange provides quality goods and service at comparatively low prices to American armed forces families. It operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states.
L Brands, Cato shine in March

New York -- Specialty retailer L Brands continued its winning ways in March, reporting a 9% increase in same-store sales, higher than expectations. Total sales increased 10% to $981.2 million, from $923.7 million in the year ago period.

The Cato Corp. also turned in a winning performance, with a 12% surge in March same-store sales. For the nine weeks ended April 4, sales totaled $197.5 million, up 5% from $188.98 million a year earlier.
Dunkin’ Donuts adds Google Wallet for Android users

Canton, Mass. - Dunkin' Donuts has unveiled a new mobile payment option allowing U.S. customers with Android devices to purchase and reload virtual Dunkin' Donuts cards using Google Wallet.

People can securely store any credit and debit cards and speed through checkout in apps or online stores with the "Buy with Google" button, which is now available as a mobile and online payment option for Dunkin' Donuts guests with Android devices.
Walgreens Boots names U.S. Foods president to board

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreens Boots Alliance has named U.S. Foods president and CEO John Lederer to the board of directors. Lederer was appointed president and CEO of US Foods in September 2010, and previously was chairman and CEO of Duane Reade.

Lederer also held a variety of senior leadership positions during a 30-year career at Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Walgreens to close nearly 200 stores in restructuring
Easter makes for a hoppy March at Fred's

Robust Easter sales in the candy, toy and gift categories helped Fred’s increase its same store sales in March.
Kroger taps Marlene Stewart as president of Dillons

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. announced that Marlene Stewart has been promoted to president of the company's Dillons division. She replaces Joe Grieshaber, who was recently named president of Kroger's Columbus division.

Stewart, 59, currently serves as VP of merchandising at QFC, based in Seattle.
Study: March shopping activity springs up from February

San Francisco - Shopping activity in March 2015 was relatively flat compared to the same month the prior year, yet rebounded from a lethargic and wintery February. According to new monthly benchmark data from Euclid Analytics, traffic declined less than expected year-over-year due to holiday shopping for an early-April Easter.

In-store engagement improved significantly year-over-year, as consumers’ desire to spend re-emerged after a subdued winter. Euclid estimates sales growth in the following retail verticals of:
99 Cents Only opens nine new California stores

City of Commerce, Calif. – 99 Cents Only Stores is opening nine new stores in California between April 9 and April 11. The stores will be located in the communities of San Luis Obispo, Ontario, Sonora, Santee, Escondido, Tustin, San Bernardino, Cypress and South El Monte.

99 Cents Only currently operates 384 stores located in California, Texas, Arizona & Nevada.
Leslie’s Poolmart plans 41 new stores

Phoenix – Leslie’s Poolmart Inc. will open 15 new retail locations throughout the U.S. on Thursday, April 9. Cities with new stores will include Auburn, Bakersfield, Ceres, Palmdale; San Mateo and San Rafael, California; Rockledge, St. Augustine and Tallahassee, Florida; Gainesville, Georgia; Glenpool, Oklahoma; Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Hudson Oaks, Texas; Queen Creek, Arizona and Monroe, Louisiana.