Convenience Stores

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.

Alexandria, Va. - A majority of Americans say they are optimistic about the economy and low gas prices are driving the optimism. Overall, survey results released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) shows that 52% of Americans are optimistic about the economy, an eight-point jump from March.

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.

New York -- Toms and Whole Foods Market grabbed the top spots in a survey of the most socially responsible companies by marketing consultancy Good Must Grow. Rounding out the top five: Microsoft, Starbucks and the Red Cross.

The survey asked consumers to name one company or organization that is socially responsible. Seventy-nine percent of the respondents said they were familiar with the term “socially responsible,” and of those, 77% said it was an important factor in their shopping behaviors.

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.

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.

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.