Convenience Stores

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Shortly after announcing a record-setting first quarter last month, Walgreens reported that its December sales rose 7.5% to $6.8 billion.

The chain said that Duane Reade stores, which Walgreens acquired in April 2010, contributed 2.5 percentage points.

Meanwhile, Walgreens also raked in a 9.5% increase for its total front-end sales, thanks to a spike in customer traffic and basket size. Pharmacy sales for the chain, which accounted for 58.6% of total sales for the month, saw a 6% boost.

New York City -- Starbucks unveiled a new logo Wednesday, dropping the circle with the words “Starbucks” and “Coffee” that surround its signature mermaid.

Starbucks, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, said the changes represent a fresh look for the company as it begins the next chapter in its history and emphasizes selling Starbucks-brand products in supermarkets and other channels beyond its retail stores.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Wednesday that its fiscal first-quarter profit climbed 9.9% on strong candy and food sales and higher customer traffic. The discounter reported net income of $74.3 million for the period ended Nov. 27, up from $67.6 million a year ago. Its results, however, were short of analysts expectations, with the disappointing profit attributed primarily due to lower gross margins and higher freight costs.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens reported on Wednesday that its December sales rose 7.5% to $6.8 billion. The chain said that Duane Reade stores, which Walgreens acquired in April 2010, contributed 2.5 percentage points.

Walgreens’ same-store sales for the month rose 2.8%

The company said front-end sales were up 9.5%. Pharmacy sales, which accounted for 58.6% of total sales for the month, saw a 6% boost.

During the month of December, Walgreens opened three stores, including one relocation, and acquired three stores.

Chalfont, Pa. -- Centro Properties Group announced that a 20,685-sq.-ft. Bottom Dollar Food opened at Chalfont Village Shopping Center, located in Chalfont, Pa.

Centro Properties Group, based in New York City, is the owner of Chalfont Village Shopping Center.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Fameco Real Estate, L.P. said that Patel Bazaar and Spice Kitchen have signed leases for 6,900 sq. ft. along the 422 Corridor in Montgomery County, Pa.

Patel Bazaar, an Indian grocery store, has signed a 4,900-sq.-ft. lease at Jefferson Plaza Shopping Center in West Norriton Township. The grand opening is scheduled for January 14. Spice Kitchen, an Indian restaurant, has signed a lease for 2,000 sq. ft. at the Park Ridge Shopping Center in Trooper. The center is anchored by Acme. Spice Kitchen opened its doors several weeks ago.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid brought the New Year in with a bang, recording monthly same-store sales increases across both the front end and back bench for the first time in almost two years.

Columbia, Md. -- Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries said Tuesday it has signed a master franchise agreement with multi-unit restaurant developer Manu Patel to develop 40+ Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries restaurants in Delaware, New Jersey, and the Philadelphia metro area.

New York City -- BJ’s Wholesale Club is in the sights of private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners, which may pursue a hostile bid for the chain, according to The New York Post.

The Los Angeles-based buyout firm may make a bid if no auction occurs in coming weeks, the report said, citing an unidentified person close to the situation. BJ’s planned an auction to sell itself after an earlier bid from Leonard Green, according to the newspaper.