McDonald’s announced it will no longer lobby against raising workers’ pay. In a letter, the company told the National Restaurant Association (NRA) that it will no longer participate in lobby efforts against minimum-wage hikes at the federal, state or local level. “Going forward, McDonald’s Corporation will not use our resources, including lobbyists or staff, to…
Maryland Gov. Vetoes $15 Minimum Wage
The veto may be overridden before the legislative session ends April 8. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. In a statement, Hogan said the measure would hurt Maryland’s competitiveness and push small businesses out of the state. “Small businesses faced with the choice between a…
San Francisco Considers Cashless Ban
The bill would include Amazon Go, which has 10 stores total, two of which are in San Francisco. San Francisco is considering a ban on cashless stores like Amazon Go. New Jersey and Philadelphia have new laws banning stores that do not accept cash. Massachusetts banned them back in 1978 with a law that says retailers cannot…
Whole Foods Opens New York C-Store
The store offers upscale amenities as well as traditional grocery items. Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market opened a convenience store in New York called “Whole Foods Market Daily Shop.” The store, located in N.Y.C. neighborhood Chelsea, features self-checkout kiosks, an acai bowl station and kombucha on tap, according to Eater New York. There’s a focus on local products, as…
2019 Category Management Review
Convenience categories are evolving quickly. This year, CSD highlights the latest movers and profitable moneymakers. A CSD Staff Report If there is one word that perhaps best describes most convenience categories in 2019 it might be innovation. We’re talking innovation on the part of fast-moving consumer product manufacturers and innovation on the part of convenience…
Clean Restrooms Mean More Sales
Most Americans said they’re unlikely to return to a business after a bad restroom experience. The 10th Annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey by Bradley Corp. found that 50% of Americans would spend more money at businesses with clean, well-maintained restrooms. “Well-maintained restrooms attract customers who reward those businesses with increased spending,” said Jon Dommisse, director…
Lutz Advised Fantasy’s on Acquisition by Casey’s
Lutz helped market Fantasy’s, leading to its acquisition by Casey’s. Lutz M&A announced that it was the exclusive financial advisor to Fantasy’s Inc. in its recent acquisition by Casey’s General Stores Inc. Casey’s operates more than 2,100 convenience stores in 16 states. Casey’s is the fourth largest c-store chain, and the fifth largest pizza chain,…
Sheetz Hiring 2,500 New Employees
The company will hold open interviews for full- and part-time positions on March 27 at all 589 of its locations. Sheetz, a convenience store chain with locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina, announced that it will hire 2,500 new employees. Family owned and operated 65 years, Sheetz was named one of…
Animal-Proof Containers
Paris Site Furnishings’ new animal-proof waste and recycling containers provide a durable place for intended contents. Constructed with galvanized steel, they will keep out animals, while dual streams allow for source separation of waste. The containers are available as model BPLR1—single, 32-gallon capacity units—or as model BPLR2 with 64-gallon capacity. They are available in a…
New Jersey Stores, Restaurants Must Accept Cash
A new law passed in New Jersey requires stores and restaurants to accept cash for in-person purchases. Retailers can still require electronic payment for online, mail and phone sales. Supporters of the law say requiring electronic payment is classist, as it excludes customers without access to banks or credit cards. According to NJ.com, in 2017,…