MERIDIAN, Idaho -- Jacksons Food Stores has expanded its presence in the Reno and Seattle markets over the past month with the acquisition of 14 c-stores and 42 sites, respectively, in those markets. PacWest Energy LLC, a joint venture between Houston-based Shell Oil Products US closed on a deal December 11 with Shell for 54 company-operated sites and to supply wholesale fuels to 42 Seattle-area dealer sites.

DALLAS -- 7-Eleven Inc. is most of the way through a two-month trial of mobile beverage coupons in approximately 200 7-Elevens in San Diego, with company officials preparing to extend the trial, according to a report by StorefrontBacktalk.com. The test runs through Dec. 31, 2009. Local residents can send an SMS (Short Message Service) text with the word "fast" (in Spanish, "rapido") to 72579. In response, they receive a message informing them which of 7-Eleven's beverages they have won.

IRVING, Texas -- A year ago, having convenient shopping locations was top of mind for consumers. But as gasoline prices and unemployment spiked, consumer thoughts turned more to value. And now, as the economy works to right itself, yet another shopping focal point has stepped in, according to a new report on in-store convenience.