BATAVIA, Ill. -- Seeking to exploit its no-frills offering during toughening economic times, and with a model that could step on convenience retailers' toes, discount grocer Aldi is in the midst of a national expansion that aims to open 100 stores in 2008. Experts say this might be the perfect time for Aldi to grow.

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Although Major Oil retail divestments and whole-chain M&A grab headlines on a frequent basis, a steady stream of individual transactions is usually going on in the background. Along with the many stations and stores listed for sale nationwide through brokers and other agents, the following is a snapshot of several stations and c-stores that are on the block or have changed hands in May, June and July in relatively small deals—small in size, but still representing major dollars.

WAYNESBORO, Miss. -- What do you get when you cross a prepaid, long-distance card with the chance to win $1,000? Incremental sales, according to retailer Barry Rose. Three months into the sale of a combination prepaid-calling card and sweepstakes opportunity, he has seen average card volumes between 800 and 1,000/mo. per location at his 42-site chain, the marketing director for Clark Oil told CSP Daily News.