News

Westlake, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America LLC reported Tuesday that net income for its fiscal second quarter rose to $21.7 million, compared with $1.2 million a year earlier. The improved performance was due to higher fuel sales and higher margins.

During the second quarter, total fuel sales rose 4.3%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it has expanded check cashing and card cashing services at stores nationwide, including the ability to cash a payroll and eligible government benefits card to the penny.

The expansion includes cashing most types of pre-printed checks up to $5,000 and accepting more forms of ID for check cashing, as well as establishing Express Check Cashing check-out lanes at selected stores during peak hours, the company reported.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — MyBuys, a leader in cross-channel personalization for retailers, announced that Neil Patil has joined the company as SVP marketing.

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is bringing back its Backstage Pass campaign with even more engaging video content that delivers trend and helpful advice, straight from Macy’s stable of star designers and industry experts. In addition to essential tips, customers will have the chance to instantly win daily shopping sprees worth up to $500, wherever a Macy’s Backstage Pass appears, whether in-store, print or online.

GOLDEN, Colo. — Blockbuster Express has teamed up with Boston Market for a dinner and a movie deal. Boston Market will offer a voucher for a one night $1 DVD rental with any meal purchased after 5 p.m.

Now through Sept. 10, the “Dinner & A Movie” deal is offered at Boston Market restaurants nationwide. The offer is valid with a minimum $5 purchase before taxes and only one receipt per total purchase per visit. Users will have until Sept. 30, to use the “Dinner & A Movie” voucher from Blockbuster Express.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has appointed Susan Henderson as SVP and chief communications officer to replace Karen Rugen, who retired last month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Henderson will be responsible for all aspects of corporate communications, including media relations, financial communications, issues management, associate and supplier communications and the company's charity initiatives, reporting to president and CEO John Standley.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Numerous strategies for combatting the epidemic of childhood obesity have emerged lately, but one could argue that among the most effective are those that happen where people get their food.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Sam's Club has engaged the services of DemandTec to enhance its eValues program.

Sam's Club said it will use DemandTec's Deal Management service to streamline the collaborative presentation, negotiation, reconciliation, and archiving of member offers and supporting supplier funds for the eValues program.  

DemandTec is working in conjunction with FICO, provider of the eValues program, to integrate Deal Management, streamline the process, and deliver highly targeted, timely offers to members of Sam's Club.  

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co.’s Best Buy Express plans to add nearly 100 kiosk locations in the next year spread over a variety of new channels.

The division has opened 150 Express locations in three years, and said it is adding two locations at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., and multiple locations at college campuses, events and ferry hubs this year.

NEW YORK — Members-only luxury retailer Gilt Groupe announced that it is launching a new standalone website for men. According to the company, Park & Bond (www.parkandbond.com) merges a curated selection of the world's best brands with a continuously updated mix of editorial content designed to give guys the inspiration and advice they need to look their best.