Convenience Stores

New York -- Governor Jerry Brown of California on Wednesday signed a bill approving a $2 hike in the state’s minimum wage, with the increase to be rolled out during the next three years. The increase will make California's minimum wage the highest in the country.

The wage increase will go into effect in two separate $1 increments, going from the current minimum of $8 to $9 on July 1, 2014, and then to $10, on January 1, 2016.

Former president of Giant-Landover, Anthony Hucker, has joined Schnuck Markets as EVP and chief strategy officer.

Hucker recently resigned as president of Giant-Landover, a chain owned by Ahold USA that runs 169 stores in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.

"Anthony is a tremendous talent who shares our values; he's customer-focused and a true merchant in every sense," Schnucks chairman and CEO Scott Schnuck said. "We expect that he will add velocity to efforts that will ensure Schnucks' continued growth and success."

Franklin, Tenn. – The dollar value of transactions performed at self-service kiosks in North America surpassed $822 billion in 2012 and should reach more than $1 trillion by the end of 2014. Self-service kiosks are currently used in more than 100,000 checkout lanes at North American retailers.

Memphis -- AutoZone’s net income for the fourth quarter increased 14.7% to $371.2 million, below estimates. The chain also posted its 28th consecutive quarter of double digit growth in earnings per share.

Revenue rose 12% to $3.1 billion, narrowly exceeding expectations. Domestic same-store sales disappointed with a 1% gain.
 

Arlington, Texas — With more than 135 stores across the country, Pet Supermarket has leased 6,000 sq. ft. of retail space in Fielder Plaza, a community retail center in Arlington, Texas.

The Weitzman Group, the exclusive retail-leasing agent for the center, handled negotiations for the transaction. Pet Supermarket will join Tom Thumb grocery, CVS/pharmacy, Starbucks, Allstate, T-Mobile and others. Cencor Realty Services manages Fielder Plaza.

Harker Heights, Texas — Sam’s Club will open its new Harker Heights, Texas location on Sept. 26 at 8 a.m. The grand opening will feature presentations by the mayor of Harker Heights and the president of the chamber of commerce president. Retired NFL player Ed “Too Tall” Jones will make an appearance from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The new 136,000-sq.-ft. warehouse will bring 175 jobs to the community and feature a fresh bakery, a tire and battery center, a café and a fueling station.

Winston-Salem, N.C. – Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation has signed its first development agreement in South America with Bogota-based IRCC Ltda., a subsidiary of the VA! Group. Under the agreement, IRCC expects to develop 25 stores in major cities throughout Colombia, including Bogota, Medellin and Barranquilla, during the next five years.

Big Lots has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members. 

NACD full board member companies range in size from large-cap to small-cap companies. Through their membership, these companies become part of a diverse director community and have the opportunity to share and gain insights about current and emerging issues and to take part in NACD's director education programs.

Katy, Texas -- Academy Sports + Outdoors will open its first Memphis-area store on Sept. 27, in Collierville, Tenn. In conjunction with the opening, Academy has signed a multi-year partnership with The University of Memphis and its athletics multimedia rights holder, Tiger Sports Properties.

The new 73,000-sq.-ft. Collierville store will be Academy's eighth store in Tennessee.

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets announced that company president and CEO David J. Hepfinger has left the company to pursue other interests. Company vice chairman Jonathan H. Weis replaces him as interim CEO. Robert F. Weis remains as company chairman.

Hepfinger has also resigned from the company's board of directors. As part of the reorganization, Kurt Schertle, executive VP, sales and merchandising will report directly to Weis who will also oversee the company's real estate/store development, finance and human resources' teams.