Convenience Stores

Camp Hill, Pa. — As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

The company said the 3% decrease in same-store sales for the five-week period ended Saturday included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 4.2% decrease in pharmacy comps, while same-store prescription count increased 2.2% compared with the same time last year.

London -- Tesco CEO Philip Clarke announced Wednesday that the British supermarket retailer will likely sell or close its entire U.S. presence, which means that 199 Fresh & Easy stores could be shuttered or sold off.

According to multiple reports, Tesco is close to making the decision after five unprofitable years in the U.S. The retailer launched the concept in 2007, confident there was a niche for a grocery store with fresh food offerings formatted in a unique footprint that was smaller than a typical supermarket but larger than a c-store.

Washington, DC — Merchants at CVS, Smart & Final and Meijer have been named recipients of the 2013 Confectionery Leadership Awards by the National Confectioners Association.

New York -- Although consumers are defecting in growing numbers, the majority say they could have been retained, according to survey results released Wednesday by Accenture.

According to the Accenture Global Consumer Survey, in 2012 one-in-five consumers switched companies they buy from -- including retailers, wireless phone and Internet service -- marking a 5% increase in switching over 2011 levels. However, the survey also found that 85% of consumers say the companies could have done something differently to prevent them from switching.  

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General has elected Sandy Cochran, president and CEO of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, to its board of directors, effective December 5.

“We are excited to add Sandy to the Dollar General board of directors,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO. “Sandy’s extensive experience and perspective will provide us with valuable insights as we continue to grow our business. Her expertise will complement our board as we strive to build shareholder value.”

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. reported Wednesday that sales for November dipped 3.9% to $5.85 billion, compared with $6.09 billion for the same month in fiscal 2012.

Total front-end sales decreased 0.3% and same-store front-end sales decreased 1.7%.

Walgreens opened 39 stores during November, including 10 relocations and closed one.

Tesco arrived in the U.S. in 2007 amid great fanfare with its first Fresh & Easy stores. Now, just five years later, the 30 year Tesco veteran in charge of the 200 unit operation is gone and the company is looking to unload the stores.

Naples, Fla. -- New York City-based Brixmor Property Group has announced the Dec. 6 grand re-opening of its redevelopment of Naples Plaza, one of the oldest shopping centers in Naples, Fla.