Convenience Stores

New York City -- Walmart will open its first store in the United States that utilizes all-LED lighting on the interior. The store, a Walmart Neighborhood Market, is located at 2111 N. Amidon, Wichita, Kan. It will open on Nov. 2.

The company said it expects to see a 40% savings on the energy-efficient lights, which also last at least six years beyond conventional lighting, reducing maintenance costs.

New York City -- The global market for self-checkout has continued to thrive despite a difficult retail environment, according to a new report by London-based strategic research and consulting firm RBR.

Kansas City, Mo. -- H&R Block said it will provide tax preparation services in an estimated 300 Wal-Mart locations nationwide beginning in December.

“This new partnership with the world's largest retailer allows us to serve more customers at times and locations that fit their busy lifestyles,” said H&R Block president and CEO Bill Cobb.

H&R Block will offer its products and services at its kiosks in Wal-Mart.
 

CHICAGO — The third annual Mobile Audit, released Thursday by e-commerce and digital marketing company Acquity Group, found that mobile adoption is on the rise. In fact, the percentage of retailers with a mobile site reached 37% in 2011, up from 12% in 2010 and only 4% in 2009 — a 210% increase over the past year alone.

Richmond, Va. -- Charlotte, N.C.-based Crosland Southeast said it broke ground Friday on Richmond MSA’s newest multi-use development, Stonebridge, which will occupy the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall in Chesterfield County, Va.

The first phase of Stonebridge includes the construction of 144,000-sq.-ft. of retail space – most notably, a 123,600-sq.-ft. Kroger Marketplace grocery store that will be the region’s largest and the company’s most expensive to date.  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores announced that it is offering special bundles for tailgate, school or office parties, and for trick-or-treating to help customers get ready for Halloween. The grocer said it also is holding special pumpkin-decorating workshops for children this Saturday and Sunday afternoons at select stores. Any child visiting a Winn-Dixie store while wearing a Halloween costume on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will receive a fresh-baked cookie from the Winn-Dixie bakery.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Same-store sales at Rite Aid increased by 2.9% in October, compared with last October, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The increase included a 1.3% increase in same-store sales on the front end, as well as a 3.6% increase in pharmacy same-store sales, including a negative offset of about 160 basis points due to the introduction of new generic drugs.

Total sales for the month were nearly $2 billion, a 2.8% increase over October 2010's $1.9 billion.

New York City -- Brixmor Property Group said Wednesday it has appointed Thomas W. Litzler as senior VP, central region.

Based in Chicago, Litzler will serve as the asset manager for the region, directing leasing, property operations and redevelopment activity for 11.7 million sq. ft. of community and neighborhood shopping centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

New York City -- Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Group said Wednesday it has a arranged a long-term lease for The Harlem Wine Gallery at 752 Saint Nicholas Avenue, between 147th and 148th Streets in New York City.

The transaction is the second wine and spirit shop that the team has arranged on the corridor in recent months, following Unity Wines & Spirits at 704 Saint Nicholas Avenue.
 
 

Atwater, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that Dollar Tree has leased retail space in Atwater, Calif., at Applegate Ranch Shopping Center.

Dollar Tree leased 9,264 sq. ft. and is now open. The 464,136-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a Super Target, Walmart, Marshalls and Petco.