Convenience Stores

Fresh & Easy, the former Tesco-owned grocery format, is testing a dramatically new look at seven-plus stores in the Las Vegas market.

The stores have been remodeled with a more modern feel and layout and a greater emphasis on ready meal solutions, with such features as a “Fresh to Go” hot food bar, a pizza oven, a coffee bar and made-to-order sandwiches. There's also a revamped product selection with lower fixtures and a more abundant selection of fresh food. 

Las Vegas - Fresh & Easy, the former Tesco-owned grocery format, is testing a dramatically new look at seven plus stores in the  Las Vegas market.    The stores have been remodeled with a more modern feel and layout and a greater emphasis on ready meal solutions, with such features as a “Fresh To Go” hot food bar, a pizza over, a coffee bar and made-to-order sandwiches. A revamped product selection with lower fixtures and a more abundant selection of fresh food.  

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer, effective Jan. 1. Filler will be responsible for the vision, leadership, strategic direction and performance of all Walgreens merchandising activities.   

Houston - Baker Katz, an X Team International partner and full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm, announced that it has negotiated five Chipotle leases in Texas.    Jason Baker negotiated the leasing of the five Chipotle locations, ranging in size from just over 2,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. with a variety of different brokers.  

Even if Dollar General is unsuccessful in acquiring Family Dollar, the company plans to get bigger faster in 2015 by opening two stores every day and enhancing the productivity of an already expansive footprint.

Wawa will become the first national retailer in the convenience retail channel to offer Coca-Cola Freestyle soda fountains chain-wide.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine is a touchscreen soda fountain that features over 100 different Coca-Cola drink products and custom flavors.

Walgreens named former Sam’s Club head merchant Linda Filler to the role of president of retail products and chief merchandising officer.

The hire is a positive development for Walgreens given Filler’s diverse background and accomplishments in a consumer packaged goods industry where many are more likely to recognize her by the maiden named Linda Hefner.

Walgreens Walgreens has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer effective Jan. 1.

Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson said: “With the addition of Linda, our retail products division will be well-positioned to join with Alliance Boots to deliver the unique combination of products and services that will set apart our future combined company.”

New York - The City Council of Chiago has approved a boost in the minimum wage, gradually raising it to $13 an hour by 2019. The vote was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces a reelection vote in February.

The plan raises Illinois' $8.25 rate – which is $1 higher than the federal rate – in small increments. It will get raised to $10 next year, and then increase by amounts of of 50 cents and $1. City officials estimate more than 400,000 Chicago workers will benefit.