• Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. announced "a binding agreement for the acquisition of 45 fuel and convenience retail sites from Big Red Stores," based in Arkansas. "All 45 sites are company-owned, company-operated sites of which real estate is owned for 44 sites and leased for 1 site. Furthermore, the network predominately features large format stores that have ample space for enhanced foodservice and product offerings.
"The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2023, subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions."
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
• From the New York Daily News:
"A Starbucks barista fired after voting to unionize a Long Island City cafe has been rehired by the coffee company, which will also have to cough up $21,000 in backpay and penalties as part of a settlement for violating the city’s Fair Workweek Law.
"Austin Locke, a six-year Starbucks employee, was fired on July 5, 2022 after the Seattle-based company charged that he violated the company’s COVID protocols and made a false workplace violence claim.
"The termination came less than a month after the staff won a National Labor Relations Board vote to unionize the 22-28 31st St. coffee shop.
"The city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection sued Starbucks after Locke filed a Fair Workweek Law complaint, claiming retaliation and violations of the law’s 'just cause' protections.
"On Monday, the company reinstated Locke and agreed to pay him for the lost wages and penalties under the law."
• Biz Women reports that Claire's, the hair accessories, jewelry and cosmetics retailer, "plans to add another 230 grocery store locations to the more than 2,200 it already has across 10 grocery partners, including the country’s two largest chains, Kroger and Albertsons.
"Claire’s develops custom programs to accommodate spaces in each grocery store, offering a curated selection."
Other retailers offering curated Claire's merchandise include Food City, WinCo, Giant Eagle, Smart & Final, Schnucks, CVS, DSW, Walmart and Macy’s.
