Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

Free Trial• Couche-Tard Inc. launched a new franchising initiative that involves converting 13 Circle K-branded convenience stores in Louisiana to the Kangaroo Express brand.

• Hy-Vee Inc. announced it plans to open its first store in Indiana this year.

• Save-A-Lot has sold 33 company-owned stores in the Orlando, FL, area as part of the grocer’s ongoing efforts to convert corporate-owned stores to local ownership.

• Seven D Wholesale announced that Brian Reiff has been promoted to the position of President.

• The Kroger Co. and Meijer Inc. plan to make free N95 face masks available to customers as part of a program announced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

 

Retail

• Academy Sports & Outdoors plans to open at least eight stores in 2022, including its first locations in Virginia and West Virginia.

• Amazon.com Inc. reported it will open its first Amazon Style store later this year, in Glendale, CA. The approximate 30,000 sq. ft. store will feature women’s and men’s apparel, footwear and accessories.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. announced that Amanda Irish has joined the retailer as Senior VP Private Brands and Innovation.

• CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. and Walmart Stores Inc. plan to offer free N95 face masks to customers as part of the program announced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

• David’s Bridal reported it will open two new stores in the first quarter of 2022, in Ohio and California.

• L & W Supply announced that Nick Popma has been promoted to the position of Business Manager for its West Region.

• Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. plans to open more than 40 new store locations in 2022.

• Sherwood Lumber Corp. announced that it has promoted Michael Glowacki to Specialty Manager Exterior Building Product and Outdoor Living Division.

• Tractor Supply Co. said it will build a new 900,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Maumelle, AK.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. and VillageMd will open eight primary care and pharmacy practices in the Tucson, AZ, area in 2022. The companies plan to open more than 200 locations by the end of the year.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. reported that Patrick McLean has stepped down as Chief Marketing Officer.

• Walmart Stores Inc. announced plans to build its first fulfillment center in Mississippi. The facility will be more than 1,000,000 sq. ft. and is set to open in Spring 2022.

• Walmart Stores Inc. announced the upcoming retirement of Casey Carl, Exec VP and Chief E-commerce Officer, and promotion of Tom Ward as his successor.

• Walmart Stores Inc. has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to make free at-home COVID-19 tests available when subscribers present their ID cards at pharmacy counters.

 

Restaurant

• Freddy’s Frozen Custards & Steakburgers has opened their first airport location at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City.

• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has signed a franchise deal to open 50 new locations in Texas with the first slated to open later this year.

• Mountain Mike’s Pizza has opened a new location in Chowchilla, CA.

• Pieology Pizzeria has hired Shawn Thompson as the company’s new CEO.

• Slim Chickens has opened a new location in Muscle Shoals, AL.

• Smoothie King has hired Shawn Caric as VP of Franchise Development.

• YUM! Brands Inc. has promoted Elias Oxendine to the role of VP and Chief Information Security Officer.