Buc-ee’s brouhaha: A long-proposed Buc-ee’s in Palmer Lake, Colorado, (population: 2,636) has become so contentious, it has led to a lawsuit and the resignation of the town’s mayor. Former Mayor Glant Havenar left her post after dozens of her inflammatory texts were released, some of them calling residents who opposed the convenience store “terrorists,” a “cow” and “unfortunate looking,” according to local reports. Havenar also allegedly admitted to creating a fake Next Door account to defend herself amid the heated debate. In her resignation letter, Havenar said, “Don’t let the bullies win. Your voice, your courage, and your unity are what makes Palmer Lake a place worth believing in.” What would Bucky Beaver do? -Heather Lalley
Milk, bread and a tattoo?: South Korean c-store chain CUsaid this week it launched an industry first: An in-store tattoo kiosk. In just one to two seconds, shoppers can be imprinted with a temporary tattoo from more than 100 designs, local media reported. The kiosk uses cosmetic-grade pigment ink, with tattoo options, including palaces and tigers, lasting for about two days. CU parent company BFG Retail said it is looking to add more experiential retail as it transforms its stores into "lifestyle hubs." -Heather Lalley
Ice cream for blood: Stewart’s Shops is launching its 10th annual Give a Pint, Get a Pint season in collaboration with the American Red Cross. All this month, Stewart’s Shops is giving a certificate for a free pre-packaged pint of ice cream or gelato to anyone who donates blood at a participating Red Cross location. The certificate can be redeemed at a Stewart’s Shops store. Over the first nine years, the partnership has collected 104,000 blood donations—as well as blood cells, platelets and plasma from nearly 61,000 donors. “There is no sweeter way to address such a critical need than to reward all the thoughtful donors by giving them a certificate for a free pint of Stewart’s ice cream,” said Chad Kiesow, Stewart’s Shops’ president. There is a growing need for blood donations to help treat accident victims, burn victims, cancer patients and community members recovering from surgery, Stewart’s Shops said. Blood and platelet donations are needed every 2 seconds in the United States. “Summer often brings a critical drop in blood donations, even though the need for blood never takes a break,” said Kevin Coffey, regional CEO, American Red Cross, eastern New York Region. “That’s why we’re so thankful to team up again with Stewart’s Shops.” – Chuck Ulie
Casey’s gets ready for its closeup:Casey’s General Stores will soon have its name in lights in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ankeny, Iowa-based convenience-store retailer will take over naming rights from Wells Fargo for the Iowa Events Center venue in Des Moines on July 1. “Things are happening ... counting the days, hours, minutes to see this transformation complete and be able to officially welcome fans from all over to the Casey's Center!" Kaite Petru, the retailer's public relations director, said on LinkedIn. In 2024, Casey’s secured a new, 10-year naming rights partnership with Polk County and Oak View Group, operators of Iowa Events Center, to rename the 15,000-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue. Wells Fargo opted not to renew its agreement, which expires on June 30.-Diane Adam
Sugar high: It’s National Candy Month! The “holiday” kicks off a summer sales period that can help address the confectionery sales gap between Easter and Halloween, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA). This summer promotional opportunity has the potential to add $1 billion in incremental sales between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the association said. “Classic summer rituals—like road trips, beach vacations, backyard barbecues and campfires—create a fitting backdrop for consumers to enjoy chocolate and candy, enhancing memorable moments,” said John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA. NCA reported that this summer, 86% of people going on a road trip will bring chocolate and candy, 80% of Americans will enjoy chocolate and candy on a family visit, 76% of Americans will treat themselves to chocolate and candy at the movie theater. Plus, 75& of campers in the U.S. will treat themselves to chocolate and candy and 64% of beachgoers plan to bring chocolate and candy with them. NCA recommends that convenience-store retailers partner with candy brands to develop limited-time offers and summer-themed endcaps. –Rachel Gignac
UPDATE: This story has been updated to delete an old item about 7-Eleven.
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