The Alliance of Responsible Alcohol Retailers has started a new campaign called, “Change It Indiana” that seeks to build public support to allow Sunday carryout alcohol sales in Indiana, the Chicago Tribune reported. The group, which includes Kroger, Marsh, Meijer, CVS and Circle K stores, argues that 47 states allow Sunday carryout sales and that…
MAPCO Adds Blockbuster Express DVD Kiosks
MAPCO Express Convenience Stores in Tennessee and the Mid-South are adding 24-hour Blockbuster Express-branded DVD kiosks. NCR Corp. has already deployed a number of the kiosks in Tennessee-area MAPCO Express locations as part of a pilot program. “MAPCO Express is committed to providing affordable quality and personalized convenience to time-starved consumers in neighborhood markets throughout…
Phoenix 7-Eleven Adds Transit Cards
C-stores in the Phoenix, Ariz., metropolitan area are about to get even more convenient now that the 60 local 7-Eleven stores are selling all day and reduced all day passes for the Valley Metro-the transit system for the greater Phoenix area, ABC15 News reported. “Our goal is to make it as easy and convenient as…
PACT Act Confusion
The federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) goes into effect today, June 29, 2010. PACT Act is set to regulate the sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco sold over the Internet or by mail order to consumers. But, one provision of the PACT Act has caused some confusion, according to the…
Investor Urges Casey’s To Negotiate Bid
ClearBridge Advisors, A New York investments firm with a large stake in Casey’s General Stores is encouraging the Ankeny, Iowa-based convenience store chain to hold talks with Couche-Tard. In a letter written Monday, ClearBridge Advisors said Casey’s owes it to shareholders to determine whether Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. would raise its $36-per-share offer. “We agree that…
Financial Reform Faces Crucial Vote
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…