As the House and Senate prepare to vote on the financial reform bill—containing the Durbin amendment on interchange fees—this week, NACS’ message to retailers is that the battle is far from won. Three hurdles remain: passing the House, passing the Senate and getting signed into law by President Obama. “Until all three happen, actually, until…
Alcoholic Beverage Customers Cautious
U.S. consumers remain somewhat cautious about their alcohol beverage spending, the Nielsen Company reported this month. Nielsen’s research revealed that a significant percentage of consumers claim they are going out less often now than before the economic downturn. Nearly half of consumers (47%) report going to bars or clubs less often, while an even greater…
APPCO’s Ex-Owner Wins Court Battle
APPCO’s former owner won the right to keep the 12 convenience store buildings he repossessed early this month, according to a ruling by Federal Bankruptcy Judge Marcia Parsons, the Johnson City Press reported. After the decision, a representative for Jim MacLean said MacLean’s property companies plans to gain possession of the other 16 stores he…
Boycotted Stations Want BP Help
As many Americans avoid BP stations in protest over the Gulf oil spill, BP-branded station owners are insisting BP do more to help them convince customers that such boycotts hurt independently owned businesses, not the British oil giant, the Associated Press reported. To win back customers, stations want BP to help in reducing the price…
Swipe Fee Reform Faces Crucial Vote
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) is urging retailers to contact legislators one more time as the financial reform bill, which contains the swipe fee amendment, goes to a vote. Last week, House and Senate financial services reform negotiators agreed to finalize the financial bill with the swipe fee reforms included. Now, both the…
Crude Oil Stays Steady
Crude oil prices remained steady above $76 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Friday, June 25, according to United Press International. July delivery crude oil prices added 27 cents to $76.78 per barrel, while heating oil prices for July delivery added 0.0076 cents to $2.0648 per gallon. Reformulated gasoline blendstock prices added…
The Pantry Expands Fresh Initiative
Cary, N.C.-based The Pantry Inc. this week unveiled its “Fresh Initiative” to serve customers new coffee, and fresh food options. Triangle-area residents will be the first to experience the new Bean Street Coffee and a broader assortment of pastries, warm breakfast sandwiches and fresh fruit. In addition, the stores will offer a variety of fresh…
Swipe Fee Reform Advances
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate negotiators have sided with retailers, reaching an agreement to include swipe fee reform provisions in the final financial services reform bill that is now on its way to Congress for a final vote. The provisions, known as the Durbin Amendment after the author, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), is…
Mid-Atlantic Acquires Uppy’s
Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores, backed by equity firm Catterton Partners, has acquired a majority interest in Uppy’s Convenience Stores Inc. and 170 convenience stores/fuel stations from Exxon Mobil Corp. The transaction creates a leading convenience store operator in the Mid-Atlantic region with more than 200 convenience store operations in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. Uppy’s was founded…
Kroger Makes Strides In Sustainability
The company’s 2010 Sustainability Report, recently published online, shows the company has reduced overall energy consumption by more than 27%, and includes updates in four core areas: —Reducing its carbon footprint, especially by decreasing energy usage; —Eliminating and recycling waste including reducing plastic bag use; —Lowering the impact of…