Most-Read Stories of the Year

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- In the minds of retailers, the months-long battle and debate for debit-card swipe-fee reform was clearly the industry story of 2011. In fact, 44% of retailers responding to a CSP Daily News poll chose it as the top story of the year, followed distantly by major-oil selloffs/continued retail divestment (13%), tornadoes and weather (10%) and Altria's Marlboro Leadership Price (MLP) program (9%).

But the “daily” stories that drew the most eyeballs to CSP Daily News throughout the year tell a different story. There, leadership reorganizations at 7-Eleven and Alimentation Couche-Tard were popular, while Altria's Marlboro Leadership Price program kept retailers on edge.

Also, a major retailer's shrinking store format kept readers guessing, while a massive tornado in Missouri had us praying for the best.

A complete list of the top 10 most-read stories from the year follows, along with links to refresh your memory or catch up if you missed them the first time.

No. 1) CSP Exclusive: 7-Eleven Reorganizes

Embraces centralized approach, eliminating all 8 regional divisions, many jobs, sources say

(Original run date: March 15, 2011)

No. 2) CSP Exclusive: Marlboro's Contract Cap

Industry upset by Altria's latest program, "recommended maximum price"

(Original run date: March 18, 2011)

No. 3) CSP Exclusive: Couche-Tard Management Changes

New leadership for five regions, special assignments, foodservice, benchmarking

(Original run date: Feb. 14, 2011)

No. 4) First Look at Walmart Express

Press gets peek at first small-format store; some locations will offer gas

(Original run date: June 6, 2011)

No. 5) Tense Moments at Joplin Fastrip

Tornado that killed at least 116 hits Missouri c-store: Video

(Original run date: May 23, 2011)

No. 6) CSP Exclusive: Altria Talks MLP

Execs respond to retailer concerns about program's "recommended maximum" Marlboro price

(Original run date: March 24, 2011)

No. 7) Marks Moves On

Citing family, Pantry CEO departs for Atlanta, leaving questions about new leadership, strategy

(Original run date: Aug. 23, 2011)

No. 8) QT Fingered in Price War

Independent retailers go after QuikTrip in court over alleged "price war"

(Original run date: Dec. 2, 2011)

No. 9) The Pantry Cuts Budget

Disappointing quarter drives "expense reductions ... to ensure in-store profit growth"

(Original run date: Feb. 9, 2011)

No. 10) CSP Exclusive: 7-Eleven's 'Groundbreaking' New Strategy

Innovation designed to lure new customers

(Original run date: Dec. 13, 2011)

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