Bricks and Mortar and Greed

(CSP) A controversial new tobacco contract that would impose price ceilings on what operators could charge is leaving a foul taste for retailers. Numerous retailers, from independents to some of the country's largest convenience-store chains, are criticizing Altria's Marlboro Leadership Price (MLP) Option. "We feel philosophically when a supplier tries to dictate how much you can sell a product for, it's inherently not a good policy," said Steve Loehr, vice president of operations support at Kwik Trip, operator of more than 400 stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Continued