McDonald’s Exploring Selling Nonfood Items

Fast-food giant McDonald’s Corp. is exploring the idea of selling nonfood items in its restaurants to drive up sales beyond its mainstay hamburgers, fries and soft drinks.

As part of its long-term growth strategy, McDonald’s is “looking at concepts that might go beyond restaurants, which could involve retail extension,” spokesman Walt Riker said.

Any venture into retailing would not materialize for at least two years, he said.

Its shares fell 14 cents to $30.01 on the New York Stock Exchange.