Convenience Stores

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. formally announced that it has named two new leaders to its senior management team. Michael DeFazio has been named SVP – store concepts, and Jennifer Warren has been named SVP and chief marketing officer.

Irvine, Calif. -- Mimi's Cafe said Thursday that Scott Miller has been named VP finance, effective immediately.

Miller most recently was the CFO at El Gallo Giro, a multi-unit taqueria. He also spent 10 years in various financial leadership roles at Carlson Restaurant Inc., with the T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix brands.

Mimi's Cafe was recently acquired by Le Duff America , parent to the Bruegger’s Bagels and la Madeleine banners, and has 145 locations in 24 states.

Washington, D.C. -- Grocery retailers, wholesalers and food industry state association executives representing more than 30 states assembled in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to urge Congress to act on pro-business reforms that impact their industry.

London -- Grocery chain Fresh & Easy’s British parent Tesco confirmed Wednesday that it will abandon its U.S. business, selling off the 199-store chain and taking a $3.5 billion write-down.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has elected Beall’s CEO Steve Knopik to its board of directors.

“We are pleased to have Steve join the Publix board,” said Publix chairman of the board Charlie Jenkins Jr. “His strong retail and financial background and commitment to the community will make him a strong addition to our board.”

East Rutherford, N.J. -- Travel retailer Hudson Group, owner of the Hudson News airport stores, said Tuesday it has launched a new retail concept called Hudson, with the first unit slated to open at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Central Terminal.

NEW YORK — According to survey results by Deloitte, 94% of Americans indicate they will remain cautious and keep their spending for food, beverage and household goods at its current level, despite an improving economy.

Deloitte's 2013 American Pantry Study found that 92% of Americans said they have become more resourceful, and 86% say they are getting more precise in what they buy — attitudes that have remained consistent in the three years Deloitte has conducted the study, and across income levels.

NEW YORK — U.S. retail sales fell 0.4% in March, the biggest decrease in nine months, amid a slowdown in hiring and higher taxes. Excluding sales of autos, gas and building materials, core sales dropped 0.2% in March, following a 0.3% increase in January.