Convenience Stores

Ankey, Ohio -- Casey's General Stores Inc. reported that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell short of expectations due to weak margins on gasoline sales.

The convenience store operator said that it earned $23.1 million for the quarter that ended April 30, up from $22.8 million last year. Revenue increased 13% to $1.75 billion.

Casey's said that its gas margins were down nearly two cents per gallon compared with last year. However, the company said it was able offset that with strong sales and margin gains inside its stores.

New York -- U.S. retail sales declined in April and May, pulled down by a sharp 2.2% drop in gas stations sales in both months, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

But excluding volatile gas station sales, retail sales increased only modestly in May and dipped in April.

Total retail sales fell in April to $404.6 billion, slightly below March's record level of $406.2 billion and 21.6% higher than the recession low hit in March 2009.

New York -- Canned peaches, criminal records and political contributions were among the shareholder concerns expressed at Target’s annual meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

Canadians love a deal even more than American’s judging from the strong same-store sales and surging profits produced by the nation’s leading dollar store operator.

The 721 unit Montreal-based Dollarama chain said its first quarter same-store sales increased by a weather-aided 8.1%, and total first quarter sales increase 14.9% to $398 million for the period ended April 29. Earnings per share increased 40% to 56 cents from 40 cents. The gross margin rate increased to 36.3% of sales from 35.7% and expenses declined to 18.5% of sales compared to 19.7%.

Old Bridge, N.J. -- Driven by new big-box store closures, the vacancy rate in retail properties along northern New Jersey's six major shopping corridors edged up to 8.2% in April from 8.1% a year ago and 8.0% in 2010, according to R.J. Brunelli & Co.

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is offering shoppers a chance to win a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

From June 15 to 28, military shoppers can visit their local AAFES and enter to win in the 7UP Harley-Davidson Sweepstakes. One lcustomer will win a 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight, valued at $11,000. Entry is limited to shoppers ages 18 years and older who have a valid driver's license.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer is helping its customers save money on gas this summer, the retailer said.

The new discount program, which was made available to Meijer credit customers and runs Sept. 3, provides customers with a 10-cent-per-gallon discount on fuel at all Meijer gas stations, with no minimum fuel purchase required. Customers who don't already have a Meijer credit card can apply at any Meijer store, online at Meijer.com/creditcard or via QR link with their smartphone.

New York -- A report released Monday by A.T. Kearney showed that Brazil once again first among developing countries for global retail expansion.

A.T. Kearney’s Global Consumer Institute’s 2012 Global Retail Development Index ranks the top 30 developing countries for global retail expansion.