Convenience Stores

New York -- U.S. retail sales declined in April and May, pulled down by a sharp 2.2% drop in gas stations sales in both months, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

But excluding volatile gas station sales, retail sales increased only modestly in May and dipped in April.

Total retail sales fell in April to $404.6 billion, slightly below March's record level of $406.2 billion and 21.6% higher than the recession low hit in March 2009.

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is offering shoppers a chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

From June 15 to 28, military shoppers can visit their local AAFES and enter to win in the 7UP Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes. One lcustomer will win a 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight, valued at $11,000. Entry is limited to shoppers ages 18 years and older who have a valid driver's license.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer is helping its customers save money on gas this summer, the retailer said.

The new discount program, which was made available to Meijer credit customers and runs Sept. 3, provides customers with a 10-cent-per-gallon discount on fuel at all Meijer gas stations, with no minimum fuel purchase required. Customers who don't already have a Meijer credit card can apply at any Meijer store, online at Meijer.com/creditcard or via QR link with their smartphone.

New York -- A report released Monday by A.T. Kearney showed that Brazil once again first among developing countries for global retail expansion.

A.T. Kearney’s Global Consumer Institute’s 2012 Global Retail Development Index ranks the top 30 developing countries for global retail expansion.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Monday that global same-store sales grew 3.3% in May, led by a 4.4% gain in the United States and 2.9% growth in Europe.

The Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa were down 1.7%.

"I am confident we will continue to deliver long-term sustainable growth as we remain focused on the opportunities that will enable Brand McDonald's to further extend our relevance to the 68 million customers who we serve around the world every day," said Jim Skinner, CEO.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Brands Group said Monday that it has named current CFO Neil Moses as its new chief global strategy officer, charged with driving the company's strategic initiatives.

Paul Carbone, formerly VP finance and strategy, is being promoted to CFO.
 

One of the biggest gripes residents of Northwest Arkansas have of the region, be they long time residents or recent transplants, is that Walmart is the only game in town when it comes to groceries. That situation will change later this summer when The Fresh Market opens its first location in Rogers.

New York -- Toronto has become the first major city in Canada to ban the use of plastic shopping bags.

The ban was passed by the city council in a surprise move that Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denounced as “ludicrous,” The Globe and Mail reported.

The vote bans plastic bags, including biodegradable ones, from Toronto vendors starting in 2013. But the mayor predicted the ban will face a legal challenge.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales increased by 1.1% in May, a lower-than-expected increase that may be due to underlying economic and industry factors.

The results for the five weeks ended June 2 included a 1.3% increase in front-end comps and a 1% increase in pharmacy sales over May 2011. Same-store prescription count increased 2.6%. Total drug store sales for the period increased 0.3% to nearly $2.5 billion, compared with $2.45 billion in May 2011.

Surging profits and a 6.7% first quarter same-store sales increase prompted Dollar General to raise its full year profit forecast by three cents. Family Dollar is scheduled to report comparable results later this month as the small discount store remains on a roll.