Convenience Stores

New York -- The brand that ‘Seinfeld’ made famous has tapped a retail vet as CEO.

Soupman announces that Jamieson Karson has joined the company as CEO and chairman. Karson is the former CEO and chairman of Steven Madden.

During his tenure at Steve Madden, Karson is credited with stabilizing the company and expanding the company's footprint into the global retail and wholesale markets. After Steve Madden, he was a partner at Lightship Partners, a retail consulting firm.

Emeryville, Calif. -- Jamba Juice is making it more convenient for customers to get their smoothies.

The chain announced that consumers will now be able to skip the line at over 200 stores where the retailer will be rolling out the first phase of its new mobile order-ahead app. The new smartphone tool is available on the Jamba Juice app.

Bethesda, Md. -- Washington Property Company announced it has acquired Ballenger Creek Plaza, a 75,527-sq.-ft. center located in Frederick, Maryland, for $9.5 million.

“Washington Property Company is excited about expanding its retail portfolio with the acquisition of Ballenger Creek Center,” said WPC president Charles K. Nulsen, III. “We plan to renovate and reposition this neighborhood center in the growing submarket of southwestern Frederick.”
 

Whole Foods, which is known for luxurious produce departments and an exhaustive assortment of natural foods, is adding "brewery" to its list of offerings.

The grocery chain has been opening brewpubs at select stores throughout the U.S. The beers have been so popular with shoppers that the retailer plans to distribute one of its beers to all of its Texas stores starting in September. 

San Antonio – Convenience and fuel store operator CST Brands Inc. was not able to rev up profits and sales to Wall Street expectations in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Increased total operating expenses helped drive net income down 22% to $25 million from $32 million a year earlier.

Operating revenues also fell 22%, to $2.55 million from $3.26 million. Lower per gallon selling prices for both the U.S. and Canadian retail segments, as well as a weaker Canadian dollar, negatively impacted revenues. 

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — A familiar face has returned to head up merchandising at Dollar General.

Dollar General said James W. “Jim” Thorpe had rejoined the company as executive VP and chief merchandising officer, effective immediately. Thorpe previously served as Dollar General’s senior vice president and general merchandise manager from May 2006 until he retired in July 2012. 

Batavia, Ill. – Aldi wants you – if you are someone looking for a store-level retail job.

The rapidly growing discount supermarket retailer will host hiring events throughout the U.S. during the month of August for more than 2,500 positions.

Things really aren't as bad as they seemed a few weeks ago for Costco, which just reported a sizable increase in same store sales for July.