Store Systems

West Des Moines, Iowa -- Convenience-store operator Kum & Go. opened 43 stores in nine states — more than double its previous record of 21 new stores in 2009 — in 2012, for a total of 430 stores in 11 states. The company plans to continue its growth strategy in the coming years.

“We’re not letting up,” president and CEO Kyle J. Krause said. “Our growth plan for the next five years is just as aggressive.”

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Garth Gasse has joined the association as director of retail operations, asset protection and Lisa LaBruno has been promoted to SVP retail operations.

By Craig Szklany, [email protected] and Mark Stier, [email protected]
 

As I prepare to pack my bags for New York to spend a few days in the NYC office and attend the National Retail Federation’s “Big Show” held at Javit’s Center from Jan. 13 to 15, I feel compelled to bring up this point about the annual NRF convention: it isn’t just for techies.

Walmart SVP Lev Khasis was elevated to the new role of president and CEO of new formats for Walmart International, according Reuters and Bloomberg reports citing a Walmart spokesman.

Khasis joined Walmart in 2011 after working for Russian retailer X5, a company Walmart reportedly had an interest in acquiring. The spokesman said Khasis will focus on developing store concepts that can be deployed across markets.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a full-line store in Minnetonka, Minn., at Ridgedale Center, which is owned by General Growth Properties.

The store will be approximately 138,000 sq. ft. and will open in fall 2015. It will be Nordstrom's second full-line store in Minnesota.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware launched Instant Savings, a program for Ace Rewards members that allows them to receive instant discounts at the register.

“We have made it even easier for our customers to shop with Ace by delivering more value and convenience for them,” said John Surane, senior VP, merchandising, marketing, advertising and paint. “We constantly look for ways to add value for our customers, and Instant Savings is a major new exclusive benefit to our Ace Rewards loyalty program that does just that.”

Dallas -- 7-Eleven announced Thursday that it has acquired 143 Speedy Stop and Tigermarket retail locations from C. L. Thomas, of Victoria, Texas.

The acquisition, which closed Dec. 31, increases 7-Eleven stores' footprint in San Antonio, where recently the country's largest convenience retailer purchased 25 stores as part of its acquisition from TETCO. It also adds to 7-Eleven's growing fuel wholesale-delivery business because the acquisition includes gasoline distribution to approximately 150 dealer-operated sites.