Convenience Stores

Dallas – Consumers show a clear preference for one particular perk from retailer reward programs, and it isn’t cash back.

According to “The Road to Rewards,” a consumer behavior report from Excentus, more than 54% of U.S. consumers polled in July 2015 belong to loyalty programs that enable them to save on the cost of fuel.

New York -- In a long-awaited decision, the National Labor Relations Board has made it easier for contract workers and other temporary employees to more easily unionize.

Business groups and associations, including the National Retail Federation, criticized the decision.

West Sacramento, Calif. -- Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is entering the health and wellness space.

The privately owned supermarket company said it will debut a new, small-format store in the Sacramento, Calif., market in 2017 that focuses on health and wellness.

The 36,000-sq.-ft. store, being done in partnership with Stafford King Wiese Architects and Armstrong Development Properties, will be designed to be state-of-the art with a focus on the most sustainable features. The store is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2016.

Washington — The National Retail Federation wasted no time responding to a ruling by the National Labor Relations board concerning the redefinition of the concept of joint employees.

NRF and other business groups are concerned that the redefinition  could be used to make large businesses and franchisors responsible for the actions of subcontractors or local franchisees even when they do not exercise direct control over those companies’ employees.

Fred's Super Dollar says it has contacted a consulting firm to help it improve profitability after the retailer remained unprofitable for its fifth consecutive quarter.

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, but came up short on sales, even amid strong demand for tobacco products and other consumables.

The discounter reiterated plans to open approximately 730 stores in 2015, and relocate or remodel 875 units. To date, the company is on track with its pipeline development to accelerate new store openings to 7% square footage growth in 2016.

Retailers that stock the world’s top drugstore brands may be in for some competition from Pharmabox, which plans to install its first automated kiosk in a mall in the Miami area.

Meijer is recognizing the need to fund hunger programs in the communities it serves with a new promotion.