Convenience Stores

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After exceeding more than $2 million in food and donations, Meijer announced that it once again has launched the Simply Give campaign throughout its stores.

TAMPA, Fla.— Winn-Dixie Stores announced that beginning Tuesday, guests using the new Winn-Dixie Customer Reward Card (CRC) at any of the grocer’s 95 stores in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Fla., Albany and Columbus, Ga. areas, can earn significant fuel discounts at participating Shell stations. The savings are part of Winn-Dixie’s fuelperks! Rewards Program.

GOLDEN, Colo. — Blockbuster Express has teamed up with Boston Market for a dinner and a movie deal. Boston Market will offer a voucher for a one night $1 DVD rental with any meal purchased after 5 p.m.

Now through Sept. 10, the “Dinner & A Movie” deal is offered at Boston Market restaurants nationwide. The offer is valid with a minimum $5 purchase before taxes and only one receipt per total purchase per visit. Users will have until Sept. 30, to use the “Dinner & A Movie” voucher from Blockbuster Express.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it has expanded check cashing and card cashing services at stores nationwide, including the ability to cash a payroll and eligible government benefits card to the penny.

The expansion includes cashing most types of pre-printed checks up to $5,000 and accepting more forms of ID for check cashing, as well as establishing Express Check Cashing check-out lanes at selected stores during peak hours, the company reported.

SALISBURY, N.C. — New stores, higher retail inflation and positive calendar impact drove sales up for Delhaize America, the U.S. sector of the Delhaize Group, during the second quarter ended June 30.

The division, which operates such banners as Food Lion, Hannaford and Bottom Dollar Food, reported that revenues rose 4.3% to $4.9 billion, while comparable-store sales increased 1.6%. Operating profit, however, dropped 2.7% to $205 million.

SYDNEY, Neb.  — Cabela's is marking its entry in Arkansas with plans for a 100,000-sq.-ft. store in Rogers. The store is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012. The retailer also has also announced plans to build stores in Wichita, Kan., and Tulalip, Wash., as well as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, all expected to open in 2012.

NEW YORK — Consumers heading to the grocery store this summer can garner more than 35% in savings if they buy store brands, according to a pricing study conducted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

AUSTIN — H-E-B, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Denny’s are among the companies that will host some 103 electric vehicle charging stations in Austin, Texas., allowing customers to plug in while they shop. The stations are part of Utility Austin Energy’s Plug-In EVerywhere network.

The charging stations are available for use by everyone with an electric vehicle. Austin Energy offers a $25 six-month subscription swipe card for unlimited charging at any network location. Otherwise, a credit card can be used for $2 per hour of charging.