Convenience Stores

Microsoft, Retail Realm partner on Dynamics solution
Redmond, Wash. — Microsoft and Retail Realm are partnering to launch the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Essentials with Retail Realm product, which represents Microsoft's first major push into the SMB marketplace with a new solution. On new install, this retail-specific solution installs with the Retail Realm add-on embedded.
BJ’s new Mastercard programs ups offerings
New York — BJ's Wholesale Club’s Mastercard program ups the ante in the wholesale club credit card category. The new My BJ's Perks MasterCard will offer members 10 cents off per gallon of BJ's gas, up to 5% back on purchases in-club and at BJs.com, 2% back on eating out and non-BJ's gas purchases, and 1% back on purchases made everywhere else MasterCard is accepted.

BJ’s club Mastercard raises the bar on rewards

BJ's Wholesale Club has introduced a Mastercard program that ups the ante in the wholesale club credit card category. The My BJ's Perks MasterCard will offer members 10 cents off per gallon of BJ's gas every day, up to 5% back on purchases in-club and at BJs.com, 2% back on eating out and non-BJ's gas purchases, and 1% back on purchases made everywhere else MasterCard is accepted.
Winn-Dixie customers in for sweet treat from Hershey’s

Winn-Dixie is partnering with the Hershey Co. to outfit stores with a “Candy Experience” section: a new concept that has replaced the traditional candy aisle in a Winn-Dixie in Baton Rouge, La.

Tests show that the new candy section, best described as a “store within a store,” can lift confection category sales for retailers by strong double digits. The candy experience sits at the front of the store, a dramatically different location from an aisle where consumers must hunt around for the candy shelves.
Winn-Dixie says 'yes' to Apple Pay

Following in the footsteps of other major retailers, Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Harveys and BI-LO grocery stores, has announced that it will begin accepting Apple Pay in its retail locations.

“Customers want a shopping experience that is convenient, easy and secure,” said Bert DuMars, vice president of digital marketing at Bi-Lo Holdings. “Bi-Lo Holdings is prioritizing digital mobile solutions for our customers, and Apple Pay is an exciting first step in our journey.”
Dunkin’ Donuts plans seven new Arizona stores

Canton, Mass. –- Dunkin’ Donuts has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees ABDD Arizona to develop seven restaurants in Phoenix. The group's first restaurant from this franchise agreement opened Oct. 27.
Deloitte: Consumer spending dips in October

New York -- The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index marginally dipped in October after two months of consecutive increases. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending. The Index, which comprises four components--tax burden, initial unemployment claims, real wages and real home prices--decreased to 4.1 in October from 4.4 the prior month. Highlights of the Index include:
Dollar General accepts American Express payment

Goodlettsville, Tenn. - All Dollar General stores now accept American Express cards as a form of payment. Dollar General operates more than 11,500 locations in 40 states. “We strive to provide our customers with a simple and hassle-free shopping experience,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s COO.
Ralphs Grocery to hire 1,200 new employees across Southern California

Los Angeles -- Ralphs Grocery Co. said it will hire to fill an estimated 1,200 permanent positions at its stores in Southern California. Ralphs currently employs more than 19,000 associates at its stores in the region.
Retail sales rise ahead of holiday shopping

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. retail sales edged up in October, according to a report released by the Commerce Department, evidence that recent job gains and lower gas prices are lifting consumer spending as the holiday shopping season begins. Retail sales rose 0.3% last month after falling by the same amount in September. Excluding gas stations, where falling prices lowered spending, sales rose a solid 0.5%.
Exclusive: Tractor Supply, Aztec Shops improve HR with Kronos tech

Las Vegas –- At the recent KronosWorks 2014 conference in Las Vegas, clients across a variety of industries spoke about how they use Kronos solutions to better perform a variety of human resources and workforce management tasks.
Sheetz opens new Burlington, N.C., distribution center

Altoona, Penn. -- C-store operator Sheetz cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open its new Burlington (North Carolina) Distribution Center. The $33 million facility contains a Sheetz Bros kitchen, distribution and warehousing center for the Sheetz distribution fleet. There is also be space for various corporate support departments.