TECHNOLOGY

Sales surge to continue for convenience stores
Convenience stores are poised for another strong quarter. A combination of low gas prices, strong consumer confidence and warmer weather is expected to continue the year’s already strong sales at convenience stores into the second quarter of 2017, according to the results of a survey of c-store owners conducted by NACS. A full 80% of convenience retailers expect in-store sales to increase this summer compared to last year, and 57% expect their fuel sales to increase compared to last summer.
Study: Retailers aware of disruption, but fall short in taking action
Retail executives know their industry is going though fundamental and massive change, but that doesn’t mean they are taking action to deal with it.

Appliance, electronics retailer in deal with Aaron’s

Conn’s has found a new third-party lease-to-own partner. The retailer said it has formed a partnership with Progressive Leasing, a subsidiary of Aaron’s, to provide lease-to-own payment solutions to customers who do not qualify for Conn’s proprietary credit offering. Conn’s has entered into an exclusive three-year agreement with Progressive Leasing to offer Conn’s customers Progressive’s lease-to-own program.
Home improvement chain expands virtual “how-to” classes

Virtual reality is making its way to Canada — Lowe’s Canada, that is. On the heels of Lowe’s “Holoroom How To” virtual reality-based DIY skills-training clinic debut in the chain’s Framingham, Massachusetts store last month, the concept is now available in Lowe’s Canada’s Burlington, Ontario location.
Publix, H-E-B big winners in customer experience survey

Two regional grocers beat all the competition in and out of their category in a survey of customer experiences across 20 different industries.
Strategic Omnichannel Makeover for Winning Over Millennials
Furniture retailer terminates referral program with appliance partner

Rent-A-Center is taking another step toward repositioning the company for profitability. The furniture retailer’s Acceptance Now division is terminating its referral agreement with Conn’s Appliances. These accounts consistently underperformed compared to the rest of its ANow portfolio in terms of delinquencies, losses and product returns.
Starbucks to open a mobile-order-and-pay-only store

Starbucks Corp. is making some changes to its Seattle headquarters that include a couple of format debuts. The coffee giant is set to open its first-ever location that only accepts mobile orders and payments on the eight floor of the building, reported the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Dunkin’ Donuts makes it easier for mobile users to ‘order on the go’

The coffee chain is taking mobile ordering to a new level. Through a partnership with mapping and navigation app Waze, Dunkin’ Donuts is launching its new “Order Ahead” program — a move that not only streamlines the mobile ordering process, but helps guests get to their destination faster.
Amazon continues expanding distribution network

The online giant is bolstering its fleet of warehouses in the Lone Star State. Amazon’s newest fulfillment center will be in Katy, Texas — its 10th in the state. The 1 million sq ft. facility will employ 1,000 associates who will pick, pack and ship larger-sized customer items, such as music equipment, sports gear and electronics.