Convenience Stores

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Nothing is slowing down Dollar General, which, shortly after reporting surging quarterly sales and profits, announced that it will open its 10,000th store in the United States. The store will be located in Merced, Calif., and is one the company's first stores in California.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, the nation's second largest tax preparation firm, has been named Supplier of the Year by Walmart's financial services division. Jackson Hewitt was recognized for: its aggressive expansion into over 750 new Walmart locations for the 2012 tax season, which increased its nationwide kiosk coverage in Walmart U.S.

CALGARY — Safeway's Canada stores have launched an annual fundraising campaign designed to benefit Easter Seals and the Special Olympics.

During April, the company's 215 Safeway stores across western Canada will raise funds for organizations that are at the forefront of providing assistance, training, therapy and social outlets for the thousands of people who live with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Houston -- A report in the Houston Chronicle said that grocer Trader Joe’s is opening two additional Houston-area locations — one in the Memorial area and one in Montrose.

In November Trader Joe’s announced its first planned Houston area store in The Woodlands Crossing Shopping Center.

All three stores are slated to open this year. The Memorial-area store will be 14,000 sq. ft., the Montrose store will be 14,500 sq. ft. and the store at The Woodlands will be 13,500 sq. ft.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Grocery chain Food Lion, a subsidiary of Delhaize America, said Wednesday that it has rolled out a previously announced new brand strategy to 268 stores in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. These markets are the first stores in 2012 to unfurl the new strategy, which is based on customer feedback. 

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts has announced the promotion of Markus Hockenson to SVP store operations effective April 1. Hockenson will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to the company’s Midwestern operations, which includes more than 1,200 stores. Hockenson will report to Carl Hauch, SVP national operations and will be based in Denver, Colorado.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion continues to implement its new strategy of offering greater value on store brands and being competitive on national brands, while providing a convenient shopping experience. The company announced that it has launched the strategy in 268 stores in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. These markets are the first stores in 2012 to unveil the new strategy, the company said.

NEW YORK — Customer experience is highly correlated to loyalty in both the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a new report by Temkin Group.

According to "The ROI of Customer Experience" study, a $1 billion U.S. company can generate between $141 million and $382 million over three years if it makes a modest improvement in the customer experience it delivers.