Convenience Stores

Santiago, Chile -- A report by Santiago newspaper Estrategia said that Wal-Mart Stores is considering opening banks in Chile and Argentina.

The report, circulated by Bloomberg, said that Wal-Mart completed a study into banking services in Argentina. In Chile, Wal-Mart operates the Presto credit card, which it acquired in the takeover of supermarket chain Distribucion y Servicio D&S SA in 2009.

LOS ANGELES — Looking to offer a greener option for users of Styrofoam and noncompostable insulated cups, Repurpose Compostables has launched a new insulated hot cup that is 100% compostable.

One Cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less carbon dioxide than a traditional cup and can be composted in 90 days, the company said. The insulated cups also feature Ingeo-based lining, which eliminates the need for "double cupping," to assure the beverage, and not the drinker's hands, stay hot.

Jackson-Hewitt tax preparation kiosks are now open in more than 2,000 Walmart stores in anticipation of an onslaught of consumers eager for their refund to arrive as soon as possible. Nearly half of those who receive a refund get it in February, according to IRS data cited by Walmart, so the retailer is touting the presence of Jackson-Hewitt kiosks in its stores and a preparation fee of $38 for the most basic of returns, the 1040EZ, with only two W2s.

New York City -- Duane Reade’s new store in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, N.Y. , boasts an unusual feature for a drug store: a beer bar. The bar is part of a larger effort by Duane Reade to recognize the strong identity and local needs of many New York City neighborhoods, the New York Times reported.

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Brandon, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Brandon, Fla., at Bloomingdale Square to Pet Supermarket.     

Pet Supermarket has leased 9,000 sq. ft., bringing the center to 96% leased. The pet supply retailer is slated to open in first quarter 2011.

The 267,736-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a 92,681-sq.-ft. Wal-Mart, Bealls and Publix, plus other retailers such as Dollar Tree, Hallmark, RadioShack and Bank of America.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Jacksonville, Fla., at Shoppes at Bartram Park to Jacksonville Running Co.

Specializing in the sale of running footwear and apparel, Jacksonville Running Co. has leased 1,600 sq. ft., bringing the center to 94% leased.

The tenant is slated to open for business in the spring.

The 119,376-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Publix alongside The UPS Store, Massage Envy, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Panera Bread.

Coconut Creek, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Coconut Creek, Fla., at Caligo Crossing to The Chill Thrill.

A self-serve frozen yogurt and ice cream store, The Chill Thrill has leased 1,300 sq. ft. and is slated to open in April.

The 108,927-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Kohl’s.

New York City -- Starbucks Coffee Co. said Thursday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Coffee Ltd., an Indian coffee bean provider, which will allow Starbucks to source and roast coffee beans at Tata's Coorg, India facility.

In addition, the deal will allow the companies to "explore the development of Starbucks retail stores in associated retail outlets and hotels," Starbucks said in a statement.

Minneapolis -- Supervalu on Thursday announced the expansion of its exclusive in-store nutritional navigation program, "nutrition iQ," to include the fresh food departments and more robust nutrition information for the center store.

Chicago -- Walgreens’ massive Customer Centric Retailing initiative is transforming the way the company’s stores are merchandised and designed as it rolls into an ever-larger proportion of its more than 7,600 stores across the United States. But it’s only the opening drive in a campaign to “reinvent the customer experience in our stores,” president and CEO Greg Wasson told shareholders Wednesday.