OAK BROOK, Ill. -- In the past three months, the major tobacco companies have altered their promotional strategies, pulling back from umbrella programs and rechanneling efforts to specific brand promotions. Nearly 80% of convenience-store chains said manufacturers have overhauled their total promotions.

FAIRFAX, Va. -- As part of the ongoing transition of Shell and Motiva gas stations from direct- to wholesaler-supplied operations, Shell subsidiary Motiva Enterprises LLC sold 52 Shell-branded sites to PMG Northern Virginia LLC, a newly formed entity created by Fairfax, Va.-based Petroleum Marketing Group Inc.

HOUSTON -- After several quarters of declines in purchase incidence across most categories, consumers returned to purchasing a larger variety of products from convenience stores in the second quarter of 2009, according to The NPD Group, a leading market-research company.