Seven & i denies reports that it will reject Couche-Tard’s acquisition proposal. Family Express is erecting its first modularized convenience-store prototype. And Target was hit the hardest by a national boycott last week against retailers who reversed course on their diversity, equity and inclusion.

Kroger ousts CEO Rodney McMullen citing “personal conduct.” Seven & i’s CEO is expected to step down. And Parker’s Kitchen has appointed Brandon Hofmann as CEO.

Amazon’s Alexa is getting a whole lot smarter. U.S. Consumers organize a national boycott. And Walgreens continues talk about going private.

Costco goes into expansion mode. Walmart experiments with gamification. And a takeover attempt of 7-Eleven hits a snag.

Walgreens enters talks with Sycamore Partners to go private. Instacart stock takes a dive. And CSP announces the winners of its 10th annual Category Manager of the Year awards.

HEB opens its ninth ecommerce fulfillment center. Gas Spot convenience stores in Missouri get a makeover. And chewing gum sales dip.

CEO of Albertsons-owned Cerberus Capital Management leaves the board for a post in the Trump administration. Garrison’s Convenience Stores purchases The Hitchin' Post. And the price of gasoline is up.

Family Dollar may have buyers. Majors Management has acquired four Mac’s Food Stores. And Target continues to face lawsuits following the retailer’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Loblaw expects its profit growth to fall below some analysts’ expectations. The New York attorney general is suing 13 e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors and retailers, including convenience stores. And Walmart released its fourth quarter earnings.

CITGO Petroleum is hoping to extend the reach of its CITGO fuel brand. Kroger is growing its delivery business. And beef continued to be inflation-proof in January.