CARY, N.C. -- Pantry Inc.'s Kangaroo Express is wising its customers "Merry Christmas & Happy Roo Year" as they prepare to go "over the river and through the woods" to holiday parties with family and friends. Jon Bratta, vice president of packaged goods for The Pantry, said that the holiday season brings about an increased interest in many holiday convenience store shopping items.
These include stocking stuffers such as jerky, candy, snacks, iPod ear buds and LED flashlights; cards and card stuffers such as gift cards, lottery scratchers--and many Kangaroo Express stores now also have Redbox locations, where customers can purchase vouchers for discount bundles of Redbox rentals; gifts for the host and hostess such as a bottle of wine or a pack of craft or import beers; and batteries.
Headquartered in Cary, N.C., The Pantry is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated c-store chains in the country. As of December 9, 2011, the company operated 1,627 stores in 13 states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner.
And CVS/pharmacy is the latest in the drug channel to tout itself as a destination for last-minute holiday shoppers.
It said that it offers gift wrap and decorations for the home, as well as gifts that fit every budget and personality. It suggests bath and body products such as fragrances and colognes; "gadgets and gizmos" such as portable DVD players, camcorders and small appliances; personalized photo gifts; toys; relaxation remedies; pet products; holiday home decor; and stocking stuffers such as gift cards.
As a bonus, shoppers heading to CVS/pharmacy now through Christmas can also earn up to $50 in free gift cards, the company said. Through December 25 , members of CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Rewards program can earn free $10 gift cards to Macy's, Gap, Applebee's, Shell, American Express, Barnes & Noble or CVS/pharmacy by spending $30 on specially-marked items found in the weekly circular.
Many CVS/pharmacy locations are offering extended holiday hours this week and most 24-hour stores will remain open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Woonsocket, R.I., chain said.
CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corp., operates more than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores.
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