Monthly Archives: January 2014

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Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc updates on Welsh Language in Morrisons pharmacies and stores

Bradford, England, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Following recent discussions around the use of the Welsh language in Morrisons pharmacies and stores, we would like to do what we can to help people who choose to use Welsh as their preferred language. We are therefore taking the following steps to enhance further the use of the Welsh language across our business:

    • We will be meeting the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office to discuss how definitive guidance on the use of Welsh on prescriptions can be reached
    • We will be revisiting the use of Welsh on our pharmacy signage. We already use Welsh widely across our stores, and will extend this in to our six pharmacies
    • We will be extending the ‘Iaith Gwaith/Working Welsh’ badges on to our colleague name badges across all our Welsh stores, and will be keeping track of how many colleagues speak Welsh.

We recognise how important the Welsh language is to many of our customers and colleagues across the country, and we want to continue encouraging its use.

Morrisons pharmacists must always be certain that they can read and understand what is being dispensed to customers. The safety of customers is paramount and will always remain so. In the recent case at our pharmacy in Bangor however, we are sorry if the customer felt they did not receive the service they deserve on this occasion.

Background

 

On the 6th January a customer looking for medication in Morrisons Bangor did not receive it as soon as they had hoped, because the prescription was written partly in Welsh and partly in English.

Morrisons continues to stand by the actions of the pharmacist who wanted to be certain that he was dispensing the correct medication at the correct dose.

At no point was the customer turned away from a Morrisons store, and the medicine was dispensed to the customer as soon as the pharmacist received a translation from the surgery.

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Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc selects Sue Ryder as its next charity partner

Bradford, England, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Morrisons colleagues have voted for Sue Ryder to be the retailer’s next charity partner. Sue Ryder won the nationwide colleague vote with 42% of the vote, beating Age UK and I CAN to secure a corporate partnership.

Sue Ryder is one of the leading national charities providing care for people with incurable illnesses and supporting families practically and emotionally. The partnership, which will see fundraising from customers and colleagues, will enable Sue Ryder to establish Morrisons “Community Clinics” making local services and care available for more families across the UK; to introduce “Morrisons Mobile Units” bringing advice and information to communities and “Morrisons Family Support Teams” supporting families emotionally and practically through terminal and incurable illness.

At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief that everyone should be able to get the care they want when they need it most, and that their families should be supported through the most difficult times. The money raised will enable us to provide thousands more people across the UK access to the best possible care at the end of their lives in a place of their choice, surrounded by their loved ones.

Sue Ryder’s Chief Executive Heidi Travis said, ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to Morrisons colleagues for choosing Sue Ryder as their new charity partner. We’re very excited to be working with such a fantastic company, and we’re committed to supporting customers and colleagues with your fundraising every step of the way. Together, we’ll be able to give thousands of people the care they want at the end of their lives, supporting them and their families in the heart of their communities.”

Dalton Philips, Chief Executive of Morrisons said, ‘Working with Sue Ryder we want to make a real difference to families affected by terminal illness across the country. Our colleagues and customers always give so generously, and we are committed to raising millions of pounds through this partnership.”

The partnership will commence on the 2nd February following the end of Morrisons existing partnership with Save the Children UK, which has raised £7 million.

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John Lewis named ‘Official Department Store Provider’ of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

London, UK, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis has been unveiled as the ‘Official Department Store Provider’ of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The partnership will see the retailer provide bedding and white goods for the Athletes’ Village.

Glasgow 2014 merchandise is also available to buy on johnlewis.com now, and, later in the year, dedicated Glasgow 2014 shops will open within John Lewis’s Scottish shops, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The partnership with Glasgow 2014 also continues John Lewis’s commitment to providing unique experiences for customers. Selected my John Lewis customers will have the chance to obtain tickets to Commonwealth Games events.

John Lewis’s sponsorship of the Games builds on the success of the department store’s support of London 2012. Across the country, John Lewis’s sales of London 2012 official merchandise exceeded expectations by 25 per cent, while sales of its own-brand celebratory range, ‘Celebration of Britain’, were 44 per cent higher than expectations.

Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, David Grevemberg, said: ‘The John Lewis brand is synonymous with strong values and great quality, making it a great fit within the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family.

‘With the support of such an excellent household name in the Official Department Store Provider category, Glasgow 2014 will continue to build towards success in what will be a truly memorable year.’

John Lewis Retail Director, Andrew Murphy, said: ‘We’ve been supporting Glasgow 2014 since the bid stage, and are delighted to continue our support by becoming the Official Department Store Provider of the Commonwealth Games. There was so much excitement around the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, and I think Glasgow 2014 will build on this to create a true legacy for our Partners*, Scotland and wider UK.

‘We want our shops to be a central part of the celebrations: not only with the merchandise we will sell, but through some of the great events we’ve got planned for customers and Partners alike.’

Minister for Sport and Commonwealth Games, Shona Robison, said: ‘I am pleased to welcome John Lewis to the Games family, one of a growing number of Games sponsors committed to delivering the best ever Commonwealth Games. By showcasing Glasgow 2014 merchandise, John Lewis will help to build excitement and help people enjoy the Games experience.’

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome the announcement of another sponsor for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. This news is all the more pleasing as John Lewis has such a strong presence in Glasgow, and will offer a great showcase for Games merchandise.’

Peter Nicolson, Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: ‘It is great news that John Lewis has joined the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family. I’m sure they will help create a fantastic Games Village environment for all the athletes, while we are really looking forward to seeing the Team Scotland merchandise in particular flying off the shelves of their Scottish stores as our home supporters gear up for the Games.’

Notes to editors
The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving 70 teams of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years. Glasgow 2014 will be the 20th Commonwealth Games and will be held from 23 July to 3 August. It will feature 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 250 medal events on show. The Games will play host to 4,500 athletes and sell 1,000,000 tickets, with the event aided by an army of 15,000 local volunteers. Glasgow 2014 Ltd is the official name for the Organising Committee tasked with delivering the Games in partnership with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

The John Lewis Partnership – The John Lewis Partnership operates 40 John Lewis shops across the UK (30 department stores and ten John Lewis at home), johnlewis.com, 300 Waitrose shops, waitrose.com and business to business contracts in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over £9.5bn. It is the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 85,500 staff are Partners in the business.

John Lewis operates three Scottish department stores in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as its Hamilton Contact Centre, employing a total of 2,300 people in the country. John Lewis acquired its first Scottish shop in 1943 when it bought The Silk Shop in Edinburgh, and subsequently went on to open department stores in Edinburgh in 1973, Aberdeen in 1989 and Glasgow 1999.

John Lewis – John Lewis, ‘Retailer of the Year 2013’¹ , ‘The Nation’s Best Retailer’² and ‘Best Retailer 2013’³, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores. The website stocks over 250,000 products focused on the best of fashion, beauty, home and giftware and electrical items including online exclusives. johnlewis.com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. (www.johnlewis.com). John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the usual values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Oracle Retail Week Awards 2013
² Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2013
³ Which? Awards 2013

Glasgow 2014’s official partner level sponsors are Longines, SSE, Emirates, Virgin Media, BP and Ford. For more information on Glasgow 2014’s full sponsor family, please visit http://www.glasgow2014.com/games/our-sponsors

Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Games Federation and UNICEF are working together in an exciting partnership that will transform the lives of children in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth. Using the power of sport and culture this unique partnership aims to inspire, enable and empower the children of the Commonwealth to be the best they can be.

The partnership between Glasgow 2014 and the Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust aims to ensure SCGYT can create a Glasgow 2014 Fund to introduce a new Commonwealth-wide programme to bring young Commonwealth athletes and coaches to Scotland and to send young Scottish athletes and coaches to Commonwealth countries to build on relationships, understanding and co-operation developed in the 2014 Games and thus help to further develop and perfect sporting abilities in the spirit of the Commonwealth movement. The SCGYT Glasgow 2014 Fund will raise income in several ways including Team Scotland merchandising royalties and other Games related packages.

Enquiries
For further information, please contact:

Laura Tattam
Senior Press Officer, John Lewis
Telephone: 020 7592 5715
Mobile: 07718252536
Email: laura_tattam@johnlewis.co.uk

Kate McCheyne
Glasgow 2014 PR Manager
Telephone: 030 2014 0176
Email: kate.mccheyne@glasgow2014.com

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Meijer completes the rollout of its food rescue program across the Midwest

All of retailer’s 204 stores able to support food rescue program by partnering with a local food bank

Grand Rapids, MI, US, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer made significant strides in its hunger relief efforts last year, completing the rollout of its food rescue program across the Midwest.

With the addition of eight food bank partnerships, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is now able to donate quality food that would otherwise go to waste at its stores in Michigan, Ohio,  Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, said Doug Meijer, co-chairman of the retailer.

“We are very excited about what these partnerships represent: Another way to get good food to those who are hungry,” Meijer said. “Not only are we helping with hunger relief, our program provides healthy choices to a greater number of people who rely on food banks for their meals.”

The Meijer food rescue program helps increase the total tonnage of food delivered to local food banks while ensuring that quality food doesn’t go to waste. More than 3.2 million pounds – or more than 2.6 million meals – were donated by Meijer this year to local food banks.

The eight food banks the retailer added this year to its program include:

  • Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit, Michigan
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties in Springfield, Ohio
  • Shared Harvest Foodbank in Fairfield, Ohio
  • Cleveland Foodbank in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in Gary, Indiana
  • Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield, Illinois
  • Peoria Area Food Bank in Peoria, Illinois

“Our Meijer partnership has been invaluable as it has allowed us to reach a growing number of families in need across our service area,” said Keith Williamson, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank in Springfield, Ohio. “It is just another valuable piece of solving the ‘hunger puzzle,’ allowing us to provide healthy choice center-of-plate protein items, as well as grains and vegetables.”

Meijer began its food rescue program in 2008 with food banks picking up fresh food – meat, cheese and select deli and bakery items – from 29 Meijer stores in southeast Michigan. It has since grown corporate-wide with all its 204 stores now able to support a rescue food bank.

Participating food banks pick up fresh food from their local Meijer store 2-3 days per week. An estimated 2,400 products are available to donate to food banks.

About Meijer Philanthropy
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968, christina.fecher@meijer.com

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Albertsons to become exclusive grocery store home of Double R Ranch Beef in 32 stores in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and Wyoming

Boise, ID, US, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albertsons and Agri Beef Co. are taking fresh to a whole new, sizzling, level. These two legendary Idaho companies have a reputation for freshness and quality that can only be earned from decades of satisfied customers. Beginning January 29, 2014, Albertsons will become the exclusive grocery store home of Double R Ranch Beef in 32 stores in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and Wyoming.

Albertsons customers, in our Intermountain Division, will truly experience the best Idaho has to offer at their butcher blocks. Double R Ranch Beef is raised by a select group of family farmers and ranchers, many of whom live within 50 miles of an Albertsons store where their beef will be sold. They dedicate their time to exceptional animal care and environmentally sustainable practices, which translates into a premium beef experience.

Double R Ranch Beef is USDA choice, melt in your mouth good and cut fresh every day at your local Albertsons. Oh yeah, you will also find this exceptional quality beef in exclusive restaurants from Boise to Beverley Hills, but now thanks to Agri Beef and Albertsons, Double R Ranch Beef has found a home on your range.

You can get a FREE taste test on Saturday, February 1st from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 2nd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at these Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming stores:

• 1650 W State St., Boise, ID
• 640 Highway 16, Emmett,ID
• 911 North Main Street, Hailey, ID
• 590 E 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID
• 330 E Benton, Pocatello, ID
• 10700 Ustick Rd, Boise, ID
• 909 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, ID
• 2400 12th Avenue Road, Nampa, ID
• 4700 North Eagle Road, Boise ID
• 3301 W Cherry Lane, Meridian, ID
• 250 S Eagle Road, Eagle, ID
• 105 Buffalo Way, Jackson, WY
• 6560 S Federal Way, Boise, ID
• 3614 W State Street, Boise, ID
• 1653 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID

Share your feedback with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you get a chance! We would love to hear what you think!

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BRC Global Standards to allow audit data sharing between suppliers with new changes to its BRC Global Standards Directory

London, UK, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — BRC Global Standards has announced that it has made a number of technical changes to the BRC Global Standards Directory to allow BRC certificated suppliers to share audit data with other BRC certificated suppliers. Until this announcement only retailers could be given access to the audit data.

This new development means that audit sharing between suppliers is instantaneous and it allows access to the full audit report and the supplier’s certificate data. Benefits to the supplier are the immediate authentication and validation of the audit report and certificate.

Suppliers can be assured they are dealing with a recognised BRC certificated supplier as the certification body that carries out the audit is responsible for the completion of the audit and certificate information. The certification body has been approved by the BRC and follows strict rules and regulations which detail the responsibilities of the certification body and their auditors.

Suppliers are also kept up to date should any of their suppliers lose certification; an email alert is immediately sent to them. The system will automatically send instant email notification of failed, suspended, withdrawn or expired certification.

Notes to Editors:

About the British Retail Consortium (BRC)
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is the UK’s leading retail trade association. It represents the full range of retailers, large and small, multiples and independents, food and non-food, online and store based.

About the BRC’s Global Standards
BRC Global Standards are the world’s biggest provider of safety and quality Standards’ Programs for food manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution. BRC Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigour and clarity.

The BRC Global Standards certification scheme offer comprehensive support to help new and established businesses to achieve and maintain their quality and safety aims.

For more information please visit www.brcglobalstandards.com

Media Contacts:
BRC Press Office +44 (0)20 7854 8924 / +44 (0)7921 605544

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British Retail Consortium director Tom Ironside comments on interchange fees

London, UK, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, an adviser to Europe’s top court has backed long-term legal efforts to end the excessively high costs retailers pay banks to process card payments. Advocate General Paolo Mengozzi has advised that the court should “dismiss the main appeal” from Mastercard.

Tom Ironside, British Retail Consortium Director of Business and Regulation, said: “Advocate General Paolo Mengozzi has said today that the court should “dismiss the main appeal” from MasterCard. This is a common-sense result and important step towards ending the excessively high payments that retailers are charged to process card payments. At a time when Europe is debating the future of payments, this sends another clear and important indication that the time for reform has come.”

Media Contacts: BRC Press Office 020 7854 8920 Out of hours 07921 605544

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Tom Ironside BRC Director of Business and Regulation

Tom Ironside
BRC Director of Business and Regulation

 

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UK retail industry sets ambitious targets for reducing its impact on the environment

London, UK, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ —  The UK retail industry is today (Wednesday) signing up to a range of ambitious targets for reducing its impact on the environment, having beaten the previous set across all areas.

Commitments to be announced at today’s A Better Retailing Climate launch event include a collective pledge to reduce absolute carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2020, putting the industry well on course to meet the 80 per cent overall target set by the UK Climate Change Bill.

The event at the House of Commons will also mark the launch of a new report, A Better Retailing Climate: Driving Resource Efficiency. The BRC’s A Better Retailing Climate initiative is midway through its journey, one that has already seen massive positive change. The new report sees BRC members committing to an ambitious and challenging environmental strategy – one designed to make a significant impact on the way our goods are produced, sold and used in the home. The new set of targets and commitments demonstrates that the UK retail sector is innovative, forward thinking and a true global leader in this area.

The report shows that the 25 signatories, who represent half of UK retail by turnover, exceeded all their targets for reducing waste, energy and water usage up to 2013. It also showcases what the industry is doing across a wide range of environmental areas including responsible sourcing, sustainable products and reducing water and energy usage.

In a sector first, the supermarkets signed up to the initiative have also committed to publish their data on food waste created at the retail stage, along with annual progress reports. The signatories, which include all of the major grocery retailers, already provide data on waste in the supply chain to the resource efficiency body WRAP, and are working closely with customers to help reduce food waste in the home.

Other new targets announced today include a commitment to reducing emissions from refrigeration gases by 80 per cent by 2020, and to divert less than 1 per cent of waste to landfill by the same year.

British Retail Consortium Director General Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers in the UK have made significant progress in reducing their impact on the environment. I’m delighted that the signatories are pushing themselves to achieve against even more ambitious commitments, having gone above and beyond the last set of targets.

“The strength of commitment is plain to see when you look at how much progress has been made in the last decade: for example, only 6 per cent of waste was sent to landfill in 2013, down from 47 per cent in 2005. But retailers will continue to keep this momentum going: they recognise that it makes business sense and delivers real environmental benefits as well as value for their customers.”

Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Defra, who is speaking at today’s event, said: “This initiative has been very successful in showing how industry can reduce the environmental impact of the retail sector.

“It also highlights how it is possible to grow businesses in a sustainable way that is not only good for the environment but for the economy as well.”

Media Contacts: BRC Press Office 020 7854 8920 Out of hours 07921 605544.

Notes to Editors:

A full copy of A Better Retailing Climate: Driving Resource Efficiency is available at: www.brc.org.uk/downloads/ABRC_Driving_Resource_Efficiency.pdf

It is being launched at a lunchtime reception today, hosted by Justin Tomlinson MP, with speeches from Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Ian Cheshire, BRC Chairman.

The BRC’s A Better Retailing Climate initiative was set up in 2008, and committed businesses representing the majority of the UK retail market to sector-wide green goals.

The results it reveals include:

Waste: Exceeded target. Retailers committed to reduce waste sent to landfill to below 15 per cent by 2013, with a longer term aspiration to achieve zero waste to landfill. In 2013, signatories sent 6 per cent of waste direct to landfill, down from 47 per cent in 2005.

Transport: Exceeded target. Signatories committed to reduce delivery emissions by 15 per cent by 2013 (compared with 2005 levels). In fact they achieved a 29 per cent reduction by 2013.

Buildings: Exceeded target. Signatories committed to cut energy-related emissions from buildings by 25 per cent by 2013 (compared with 2005 levels and allowing for growth), and achieved a 30 per cent reduction.

Refrigeration: Exceeded target. Signatories committed to halve emissions from refrigeration by 2013 (relative to floor space to allow for business growth), and managed a 55 per cent reduction.

Water: Exceeded target. Signatories committed to measure water-use in sites collectively anticipated as accounting for 75 per cent of water usage. In 2013, an estimated 83 per cent of water usage was measured, up from 50 per cent in 2005.

The new targets are:

Carbon (retail operations): Signatories will reduce their absolute carbon emissions from retail operations by 25 per cent by 2020 based on 2005 levels.

Resource efficiency in buildings: Signatories will cut energy-related emissions from buildings by 50 per cent by 2020, accounting for growth, compared with 2005 levels.

Refrigeration:. Signatories will reduce emissions from refrigeration gases by 80 per cent by 2020, relative to floor space. They will begin phasing out HFC refrigerants by 2015 and replace them with non-HFC refrigerants, in line with the Consumer Goods Forum Commitment.

Transport: Signatories will reduce energy-related carbon emissions from store deliveries by 45 per cent by 2020, compared with 2005 levels.

Water (retail operations): Signatories will measure water usage in sites collectively anticipated as accounting for 100 per cent of usage by 2020. They will set a reduction target when the targets are reviewed in 2015.

Retail waste: Signatories will divert waste from landfill so that less than 1 per cent of their waste is landfilled by 2010.

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Helen Dickinson BRC Director General

Helen Dickinson
BRC Director General

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IKEA raised $13.6 million for UNICEF and Save the Children projects

Thank You IKEA Customers and Co-workers! IKEA US Soft Toy Campaign Raised Over $1 million

Conshohocken, PA, US, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA customers and co-workers have partnered with the IKEA Foundation on a $13.6 million (€10.1 million) gift for UNICEF and Save the Children projects to help realize every child’s right to a quality education.

The IKEA Soft Toys for Education annual campaign ran from November 10, 2013 to January 4, 2014. For every soft toy and children’s book sold, IKEA donated one dollar ($1.35)* to UNICEF and Save the Children to give children in developing countries access to a quality education. Since the campaign launch in 2003, The IKEA Foundation has donated $90.4 million (€67 million) to help improve the educational opportunities of more than 11 million children in 46 countries. The donations help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply educational materials, and increase school attendance rates.

Thanks to this year’s donation, the IKEA Foundation will support 19 UNICEF and Save the Children projects in 18 countries. The IKEA support of UNICEF will help fund the Schools for Africa initiative in eight countries and the Schools for Asia initiative in China. Save the Children’s share will support education for children of the most marginalized groups in Asia and Eastern Europe.

“Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for every child, especially the most vulnerable and excluded. UNICEF is grateful for its strong partnership with the IKEA Foundation, as well as IKEA’s customers and employees, as we work together to help all children receive the quality education they deserve,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of our long-term strategic collaboration with the IKEA Foundation. It’s also the 8th consecutive year that Save the Children is part of the IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign. Through the IKEA Foundation’s commitment to helping vulnerable children gain access to a quality education, children of minority groups and children with disabilities—as well as their families and communities—all benefit from the proceeds of the campaign for a better and brighter future,” said Elisabeth Dahlin, Secretary General of Save the Children Sweden and Chairperson Global Lead Agency for the Save the Children and IKEA Foundation collaboration.

Thanks to this year’s donation, the IKEA Foundation will support 19 UNICEF and Save the Children projects in 18 countries. UNICEF’s share will help fund the Schools for Africa initiative projects in eight countries (Angola, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa) and one project as part of the Schools for Asia initiative in China. Save the Children’s share will support education for children of the most marginalised groups (minorities and children with disabilities) in Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam) and Europe (Lithuania, Romania and Kosovo).The donations will help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply educational materials in the schools, help rebuild schools, provide better water and toilet facilities, and increase school attendance rates.

Mozambique: 
In Mozambique, thanks to the IKEA Foundation’s contribution of Soft Toys for Education campaign funds, 55,000 children in 88 schools were reached with the five components of the Child-Friendly Schools approach: education; protection; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health and social mobilization. Children in these schools also received physical education and were trained in important life skills (HIV awareness, awareness on gender issues, and preventing violence and sexual abuse).

South Africa: 
In South Africa, with the support from the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF supported the implementation of the Safe and Caring Child-Friendly Schools (SCCFS) programme for 198 schools not reached by development programmes outside government. This benefitted 151,000 girls and boys and 3,400 educators. Furthermore, IKEA Foundation’s support has helped over 2,500 schools register a school sports league to facilitate a participatory programme for all girls and boys, including children with disabilities.

Ethiopia: 
In Ethiopia, the funding from the Soft Toys for Education campaign has helped increase the enrollment rate of children into grade 1 of primary education, which has now reached 92%. The gross enrolment rate for pre-primary schools achieved a significant increase of 15.9 percentage points. Over one year, it went from one in 20 children to one in 5 children getting enrolled in pre-primary school. A very encouraging trend!

Romania: 
With the IKEA Foundation’s support, Save the Children runs a project in Romania which aims to reduce discrimination against the two of the most vulnerable groups of children: Roma children and children with mental health problems. Multiple stakeholders are targeted, and educational and health services will be developed for the benefit of vulnerable children and their families. Some 18,000 school children will be educated in eliminating discrimination and stigma.

Indonesia: 
In Indonesia, many children with disabilities find that their basic rights are disregarded. Thanks to support from the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children will mobilize communities, government stakeholders, and others to assist these children in attaining their right to enjoy a full and decent life. Save the Children will accomplish this by increasing the capacity of families to care for their children with disabilities and improving their access to high-quality education.

Bangladesh: 
In Bangladesh, there are approximately 7 million children with disabilities who are extremely vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Thanks to support from the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children is able to give 4,400 boys and girls with disabilities in three districts of Bangladesh improved mental and physical wellbeing through better protection. The project works with their caregivers, communities, school authorities, and children with disabilities themselves.

* One euro (approximately $1.35) is split and donated to UNICEF and Save the Children from the sale of each soft toy and children’s book.

About the IKEA Foundation
The IKEA Foundation aims to improve the opportunities for children and youth by funding holistic, long-term programs that can create substantial, lasting change, and enable them to take charge of their own future. We work with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child’s life. Currently funded programs benefit an estimated 100 million children. Learn more at www.ikeafoundation.org

About IKEA
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 305 IKEA Group stores in 26 countries. There are 38 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 13, the IKEA Group had 135,000 co-workers, 684 million visitors to the stores and 1.3 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.

For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @DesignByIKEA, and http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/.

About Save the Children
Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. For more information, visit www.savethechildren.org. Follow us on Twitter, at twitter.com/savethechildren, and on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/savethechildren.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. Visit www.unicefusa.org

IKEA US Contact: Mona Astra Liss, Corporate PR Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180 ext. 5852

Save the Children US Contact: Eileen Burke, Senior Director, Media and Communications Eburke@savechildren.org 203-221-4233

UNICEF US Contact: Andrea Sioris, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9136, asioris@unicefusa.org

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Target plans to open 140,000 square feet store in Kahului on the island of Maui in Hawaii

Store will employ approximately 200 new team members

Minneapolis, MN, US, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Target is pleased to announce plans to open a new store in the city of Kahului on the island of Maui in Hawaii, in March 2015. The store will be located on Hookele Street as part of the Pu‘unēnē Shopping Center.  This will be the first Target store in Maui.

The Maui store will be approximately 140,000 square feet, and will offer guests the everyday essentials and exclusive brands they have come to expect from Target. In addition, the store will include a selection of fresh produce, fresh packaged meat and pre-packaged baked goods, as well as a Starbucks and a Target Pharmacy, to further enhance guests’ shopping experience.

The Maui location will employ approximately 200 team members. Target will host job fairs approximately two months prior to the new store opening, at which prospective candidates may apply and interview for open team member positions. Candidates may also apply online at Target.com/careers or at in-store kiosks located in all Target stores approximately three months prior to the new store opening.

“Target is excited about our first store on the island of Maui,” said Cary Strouse, Target’s senior vice president of stores in the Western region.  “Since opening our first store in Hawaii in 2009, we’ve created strong partnerships with the local community and delivered our ‘Expect More. Pay Less.’ brand promise to guests throughout the islands.”

Target creates strong partnerships with local organizations in all of the communities where the company does business through Target’s community giving programs. This store will start a local grant program, contribute to the United Way and donate food to a Feeding America member, or approved agency. Target also encourages team members to volunteer their time to serve the needs of their community.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,921 stores – 1,797 in the United States and 124 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visitTarget.com/corporateresponsibility.

For more information, visit Target.com/pressroom.

media contact

Matias Cavallin
p: (612) 240-6543

media hotline

p: (612) 696-3400
e: press@target.com

We strive to return all media calls within one business day.

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Russia’s largest retailer Magnit to hold Board of Directors meeting on February 4, 2014

Krasnodar, Russia, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — OJSC “Magnit”, Russia’s largest retailer (the “Company”, the “Issuer”, MICEX and LSE: MGNT), is pleased to announce the holding of the Board of Directors meeting.

On January 31, 2014 the Chairman of the Board of Directors made the decision to hold the BOD meeting on February 4, 2014 with the following agenda:

1. Consideration of proposals for the nomination of candidates to stand for election to the board of directors, the revision commission and the counting commission of OJSC “Magnit” at the annual general shareholders’ meeting of OJSC “Magnit”.
2. Consideration of proposals for the nomination of candidates to stand for election as the auditor of OJSC “Magnit” at the annual general shareholders’ meeting of OJSC “Magnit”.
3. Approval of the related party transactions.
4. Determination of OJSC “Magnit” business priorities.
5. Determination of the position of the OJSC “Magnit” representative at the exercise of the voting right on the Retail Import LLC shares in the charter capital owned by the Company.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post Director, Investor Relations
Email: post@gw.tander.ru
Office: +7-861-277-4554 x7600
Mobile: +7-961-511-7678
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Dina Svishcheva Deputy Director, Investor Relations
Email: Chistyak@gw.tander.ru
Office: +7-861-277-45-54 x5101
Mobile: +7-961-511-0202
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Company description:
Magnit is Russia’s largest retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of December 31, 2013, Magnit operated 22 distribution centers and over 8,000 stores (7,200 convenience, 207 hypermarkets, and 686 cosmetics) in more than 1,868 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the unaudited IFRS management accounts for 2013, Magnit had revenues of $18,202 million USD and an EBITDA of $2,032 million USD. Magnit’s local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MICEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of BB. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is now Europe’s 2nd largest
retailer.

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BESTSELLER-owner Anders Holch Povlsen invests in Danish online supermarket nemlig.com

Brande, Denmark, 2014-1-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — THROUGH AN INVESTMENT COMPANY, BESTSELLER-OWNER ANDERS HOLCH POVLSEN BUYS INTO THE DANISH ONLINE SUPERMARKET NEMLIG.COM. BELOW, ANDERS GIVES A FEW COMMENTS ON THE INVESTMENT.

What are the reasons for investing in nemlig.com? 
I believe that nemlig.com can be one of the very best online retailers of fast-moving consumer goods. Their business model can prove to be more effective than traditional supermarkets’, and the company and not least their employees and management has left a very positive impression on me.

What are your plans as a major shareholder in nemlig.com? 
I see great potential for nemlig.com, and with the investment and partnership I want to contribute to securing the best possible future for the company and its employees.

Does this mean that BESTSELLER will start competing in the supermarket business? 
No. BESTSELLER is a clothing retailer, and this is a purely financial investment made through an investment company independent of BESTSELLER.

Is there a correlation with your previously online investments in Zalando, Asos etc.? 
Of course I see the online retailing business as a platform for great future potential – but the different online investments are to be seen as financial investments – they are not interrelated in any way.

Read the official press release from nemlig.com here

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Digital retailer Argos opened office in the heart of London

  • ‘Digital Hub’ to open above Victoria store
  • Opportunities for key roles to work in the growing Digital team

Milton Keynes, UK, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Digital retailer Argos has opened an office in the heart of London with a focus on creating more agile and flexible ways of working and attracting new talent into the business. The office will also be used as a satellite for teams involved in the firm’s major infrastructure projects and is convenient for access to key partners and start-up communities.

Located above the store in Vauxhall Bridge Road and close to Victoria Station, roles currently being recruited include Product Managers, Development Managers, Digital Designers and Testers. Developers are also being sought and further roles will be recruited over the coming months.

Argos Digital Director, Bertrand Bodson said: “For us, this is about creating a space for collaboration and innovation. We want to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit I know to be at the heart of our business and which has meant that nearly 50% of our business now originates in a digital channel.

“We want to build on the successes we have already seen with digital initiatives such as Blippar and Digital Christmas Gift Guide and take that further. Building our agile capability is a strong boost to Argos’ transformation plans, allowing us to bring digital solutions to the market faster and in a more timely and relevant way.

Designed in partnership with the team in Habitat, the new office officially opened on 6 January, and projects are already underway.

Bodson continues “Having a base in the heart of one of the world’s leading centres of technical innovation will help us add to the great team we already have and we are keen to hear from anyone interested in joining us on this exciting journey.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about current or future opportunities should send their CV to resourcing@homeretailgroup.com quoting “Digital Careers” in the subject line.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: media.relations@argos.co.uk

 

About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 29,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with 635 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2013.  Argos serves around 124 million customers a year through its network of around 735 stores.

In the financial year to February 2013, Argos sales were £3.9 billion and it employed some 30,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

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John Lewis Partnership to review previously announced pension scheme

Bracknell, UK, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — In March 2013 the John Lewis Partnership announced that it would be reviewing the pension scheme to ensure that it remains both fair to Partners and affordable over the long term. Since then there have been extensive briefings and discussions with Partners and a draft proposal has now been presented to the Partnership Council, the central democratic body of the Partnership, for its consideration.

The main elements of the draft proposal are to adopt a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution hybrid scheme as follows:

  • to continue to offer a Defined Benefit (DB) scheme but at a reduced accrual rate for future service
  • to reinvest savings from changes to the DB portion of the scheme to extend the contributory Defined Contribution (DC) from the first three years to a Partner’s entire career
  • to increase the waiting period before joining the DB section of the scheme for new Partners from three years to five years
  • for future service, to link the pension scheme’s normal retirement age to future increases in the State Pension Age
  • to limit pension increases in retirement to the CPI measure of inflation capped at 2.5 per cent instead of RPI, for future service.

This proposal will now be developed and discussed throughout the Partnership with a final proposal expected to be voted on by the Partnership Council towards the end of 2014, in tandem with a period of statutory consultation.

Nat Wakely, Director, Pensions Benefit Review and the author of the draft review commented:

‘The John Lewis Partnership pension is a defining element of our business. We are determined that it should remain so while ensuring that the scheme is sustainable for the long term.

‘The draft proposal maintains a non-contributory Defined Benefit pension but at a reduced accrual rate which then enables the contributory Defined Contribution pension to be extended throughout a Partner’s whole career.

‘Unlike in other companies, employees and shareholders are ultimately one and the same in the Partnership. It’s for that reason that decisions on the pension benefit require the agreement of the Partnership Council, the Partnership Board and the Chairman. This ensures that Partners play a key role in determining how the Partnership continues to offer a pension that is affordable and fair.

‘It’s an important decision for current and future generations of Partners and one that our democratic structure enables us to take together.’

Triennial Valuation

The John Lewis Partnership Plc has reached agreement with the Partnership’s Pension Scheme Trustee on the terms of the triennial valuation. As at 31 March 2013 the valuation of the Company’s defined benefit pension scheme showed a deficit of £840m.; This valuation is in line with the accounting deficit already announced in March 2013. The deficit has arisen in the scheme principally due to a reduction in the interest rates used to discount the scheme’s liabilities.

The Partnership and the Trustees have agreed a 10 year plan to eliminate this deficit, which includes cash contributions of £44m a year and in addition a one off payment in January 2014 of £85m. The balance of the deficit is expected to be met by investment returns on the scheme’s assets.

Notes to editors
The John Lewis Partnership – The John Lewis Partnership operates 40 John Lewis shops across the UK (30 department stores and 10 John Lewis at home), johnlewis.com, 303 Waitrose shops, waitrose.com and business to business contracts in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over £9.5bn. It is the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 85,500 staff are Partners in the business.

John Lewis – John Lewis, ‘Retailer of the Year 2013’¹ , ‘The Nation’s Best Retailer’² and ‘Best Retailer 2013’³, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores. The website stocks over 250,000 products focused on the best of fashion, beauty, home and giftware and electrical items including online exclusives. johnlewis.com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. (www.johnlewis.com). John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the usual values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Oracle Retail Week Awards 2013
² Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2013
³ Which? Awards 2013

You can follow John Lewis on the following social media channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter
www.johnlewis.com/facebook
www.johnlewis.com/youtube

Waitrose – Waitrose, Britain’s favourite supermarket*, has 303 shops in the UK and Channel Islands and is consistently achieving sales growth significantly ahead of the market**. Its strong performance has been driven by the success of the essential Waitrose range, Brand Price Match, an unmatchable top tier of products and free delivery for online shopping, as well as a long term commitment to sourcing the UK’s finest local and regional foods. Waitrose combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop – dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced combined with high standards of customer service.(www.waitrose.com)

* Which? Annual Supermarket Satisfaction Survey, Favourite Food & Grocery Retailer at Verdict’s annual Consumer Satisfaction Awards; Favourite Supermarket at Good Housekeeping Awards
** Kantar Worldpanel

You can follow Waitrose on the following social media channels:

www.facebook.com/waitrose
www.twitter.com/waitroseuk
www.twitter.com/waitrosewine
www.youtube.com/waitrose.

Enquiries
For further information please contact:

John Lewis Partnership
Andrew Moys
Director of Communications
Telephone: 020 7592 6292

Citigate
Dewe Rogerson
Simon Rigby/Jos Bieneman
Telephone: 020 7638 9571

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S Group announced slightly over EUR 11.3 billion retail sales in 2013

S Group’s retail sales in 2013 amounted to slightly over EUR 11.3 billion. Comparable sales increased by more than one per cent year-on-year.

Helsinki, Finland, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — According to Taavi Heikkilä, CEO of SOK, sales developed best in the grocery trade, where growth amounted to nearly 4 per cent. Poor development of the economy in Finland was also clearly visible in the S Group’s sales, particularly in the automotive trade and consumer goods trade.

Other S Group’s business operations were close to zero in sales trends.

At the turn of the year, S-Bank had over 2.6 million customers. By the end of December, S-Bank had issued nearly 1.4 million S-Etukortti Visa cards. The amount of deposits by private customers totalled nearly EUR 2,304 million at the end of the year. Corporate deposits included, S-Bank’s total funds on deposit were nearly EUR 2,532 million at the end of the year. This showed an increase of around EUR 60 million from the turn of the year.

Co-op members were paid almost EUR 380 million in Bonus rewards

The growth in the number of co-op members of S Group cooperatives continued as 92,113 new members joined in 2013. At the end of the year, the total number of co-op members was 2,109,025. During the year, co-op members were paid a total of EUR 379.0 million in bonuses, which is the same level as a year ago.

At the end of the year, there were 1,646 S Group outlets. The number of outlets fell by 51 outlets year-on-year.

The more detailed sales figures by business area and the sales information for the SOK Corporation are available in the appendices.

S Group’s result and financial statements are published on Thursday, 13 February 2014.

Additional information:
Taavi Heikkilä, CEO, SOK,
tel. +358 10 76 80200
Jari Annala, Senior Vice President, CFO, SOK Finance and Administration,
tel. +358 (0)10 76 82040

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Rite Aid reports same store sales for January 2014 increased 1.8 percent over the prior-year period

Camp Hill, PA, US, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) today announced sales results for January.

Monthly Sales

For the four weeks ended Jan. 25, 2014, same store sales increased 1.8 percent over the prior-year period. January front-end same store sales decreased 1.3 percent, of which 1.4 percent was attributable to a decrease in sales of flu-related over-the-counter products. Pharmacy same store sales, which included an approximate 124 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, increased 3.2 percent. Prescription count at comparable stores decreased 2.2 percent over the prior-year period, of which 2.4 percent is attributable to a decrease in flu-related prescriptions and flu shots.

Total drugstore sales for the four-week period increased 1.5 percent to $1.943 billion compared to $1.914 billion for the same period last year. Prescription sales accounted for 69.7 percent of drugstore sales, and third party prescription sales represented 96.7 percent of pharmacy sales.

Year-to-Date

Same store sales for the 47-week period ended Jan. 25, 2014 increased 0.6 percent over the prior-year period. Front-end same store sales were flat compared to the prior-year period while pharmacy same store sales increased 0.9 percent. Prescription count at comparable stores decreased 0.2 percent over the prior-year period.

Total drugstore sales for the 47 weeks ended Jan. 25, 2014 increased 0.3 percent with sales of $22.896 billion compared to $22.826 billion for the same period last year. Prescription sales represented 67.7 percent of total drugstore sales, and third party prescription sales represented 97.0 percent of pharmacy sales.

Rite Aid is one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains. On Jan. 25, 2014, the company operated 4,588 stores compared to 4,626 stores in the like period a year ago. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at http://www.riteaid.com. Note that all sales data in this release is preliminary, unaudited and subject to revision.

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Rite Aid expressly disclaims any current intention to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

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Contact:

Investors: 0 0 717-975-3710, Matt Schroeder 717-214-8867 or investor@riteaid.com

Media: Susan Henderson 717-730-7766

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Toys“R”Us to launch nationwide text-to-donate campaign in support of 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

In-Store and Online Awareness Program Amplifies Company’s Commitment as a Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and Seeks Customers’ Support in Helping Athletes Go for the Gold this June; Customers Invited to Text “CHEER” to 80888 to Make a $5 Donation to 2014 Special Olympics USA Games via Their Mobile Device

Wayne, NJ, US, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Furthering its commitment as a Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Toys“R”Us today announced the February 1 launch of a nationwide in-store and online awareness campaign encouraging its customers to support the athletes participating in this inspirational event. By texting “CHEER” to 80888, customers can make a $5 donation via their mobile device that will help Special Olympics athletes go for the gold at the “Games of Welcome and Acceptance” being held in New Jersey from June 14-21.

Toys“R”Us was the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games with a $1 million grant from the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with the company. The company will serve as the presenting sponsor of the first-ever Young Athletes Festival at the 2014 USA Games, which will provide opportunities for children ages 2-7, and their families, to take part in the Special Olympics’ Young Athletes Program. This inclusive, innovative play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities helps kids develop critical early cognitive, social and motor skills and introduces them to the world of sports.

“As we eagerly count down to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the future stars of Special Olympics, and cheer on those who will be competing this year,” said Kathleen Waugh, Chairman, Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund. “Toys“R”Us has a long history of supporting the special needs community, and through our text-to-donate campaign we are pleased to engage our customers in supporting Special Olympics as it reveals America’s current and future champions at this summer’s USA Games.”

The Young Athletes Festival at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will provide a national stage to highlight the Special Olympics’ Young Athletes Program, as well as promote acceptance and respect for people with intellectual disabilities.

“From the very beginning, Toys“R”Us has been a terrific partner in helping us tell the story of what Special Olympics offers its youngest participants through the Young Athletes Program, and we’re so excited to highlight their accomplishments at the Young Athletes Festival at the 2014 USA Games,” said TJ Nelligan, Chairman & CEO of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. “We are grateful to Toys“R”Us for using its tremendous reach to raise awareness nationwide for this innovative program, while at the same time supporting the athletes across the country who will make their way to New Jersey this June to compete.”

Toys“R”Us Raises Awareness of 2014 USA Games In Stores Nationwide and Online

From February 1 through March 31, signage in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide will encourage customers to text “CHEER” to 80888 to make a $5 donation via their mobile device to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. Donations will help more than 3,500 athletes go for the gold at the Games in New Jersey this June. The signage features three participants in Special Olympics’ Young Athletes Program – Traigh of Wisconsin, Kailani of New Jersey and Jack of Illinois – showcasing the future stars of Special Olympics.

Toys“R”Us has also developed a robust online experience at Toysrus.com/2014SpecialOlympics where visitors can “meet” Young Athletes from across the country via an interactive map and learn how the Young Athletes Program is helping kids achieve their personal goals. In addition, the site highlights the company’s partnership with Special Olympics for the 2014 USA Games, its history of supporting Special Olympics and the Young Athletes Program and its ongoing commitment to the special needs community through its Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. An easy-to-use resource featuring specially selected toys that encourage play for children with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities, this year the Guide features two Special Olympics Young Athletes on its cover, along with 2012 All-Around gymnastics gold medalist Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas.

#CheerOnAChampion – Customers Encouraged to Share the Excitement on Social Media

Last June, Toys“R”Us began its one-year countdown to the Games by encouraging its fans and followers on social media to #CheerOnAChampion and learn about Special Olympics’ Young Athletes Program and its inspiring participants across the U.S. Throughout the coming months, the company will profile Young Athletes from various states on its official Facebook and Twitter pages, shining a spotlight on the personal goals attained every day by these determined athletes.

In addition to being a Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, Toys“R”Us will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, during which more than 100 law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states will take part in a multi-day torch run leading up to the Games’ Opening Ceremony on June 15.

For more information about the campaign, please visit Toysrus.com/2014SpecialOlympics.

Charitable Giving at Toys“R”Us

The philanthropic mission of Toys“R”Us, Inc. and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund is to keep children safe and help them in times of need. The Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund contributes millions of dollars annually to various children’s organizations, including those providing disaster relief to victims of large-scale crises, as well as those supporting America’s military families. The Fund also provides grants to leading special needs organizations and has donated $1 million as the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. In addition to financial and product donations, Toys“R”Us, Inc. hosts in-store and online fundraising campaigns annually that raise millions of dollars for the company’s signature philanthropic partners.

About the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted by New Jersey from June 14-21, 2014.  Nearly 3,500 athletes will compete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an estimated 70,000 family, friends and spectators.  The 2014 USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and showcase athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as they demonstrate the transformative power of sports to educate and inform others about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.  In addition to sports competition, the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games will highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and communities including special events and programs such as the Opening Ceremony at the Prudential Center, Closing Ceremony at Sun National Bank Center, a Young Athletes Festival, Healthy Athletes screenings and symposiums, youth leadership and more.  Delegates will also enjoy recreational and cultural programs introducing them to the culture and history of the New Jersey/New York area.  The 2014 USA Games will be held at venues throughout the state with most of the athletic competitions taking place in and around Princeton, NJ.  Founding Partners for the 2014 Special Olympic USA Games include 21st Century Fox, Barnabas Health, HESS, KPMG, PSE&G, ShopRite, Toys“R”Us and WWE. Learn more about the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games at www.2014specialolympics.organd follow the Games on Facebook at Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGamesand Twitter @2014USAGames.

# # #

Media Contacts: 
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Katie Regner
973-617-4381
Katie.Regner@toysrus.com

Jennifer Albano
973-617-5632
Jennifer.Albano@toysrus.com

 

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H&M supports WWF Conservation Project in the Yangtze River basin, China

Stockholm, Sweden, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M understands that our long-term success depends on sustainable water usage throughout our value chain, but also that water is a shared resource and a shared risk. So, one year ago H&M and WWF signed a ground breaking water partnership. Through a holistic water stewardship strategy we, side by side, strive towards new standards for the fashion industry and beyond.

“We quickly realised that both organisations share common views and want to achieve actual results. Since the launch, we have made water awareness a part of H&M’s global sustainability training for all 104,000 employees. Together we have mapped water risks for H&M’s 500 supplier factories working with wet processes and updated our routines to monitor waste water treatment. Through the partnership H&M is also supporting a WWF Conservation Project in the Yangtze River basin”, says Helena Helmersson, Head of Sustainability at H&M.

The WWF Conservation Project is working to save the Yangtze finless porpoise. The species is under severe stress and acts as an indicator for demonstrating the state of the Yangtze River’s ecosystem. Specific activities to increase the number of porpoises include improvement of sustainable fisheries and decreasing pollution from agriculture by educating cotton farmers.

“Degraded and depleted water resources, and inadequate supply and sanitation, impose impacts across society. WWF believes that actions to address these shared risks to water security require collaborative action,” said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. “In working together with H&M, we want to inspire a shift of the whole fashion industry towards responsible water stewardship. The aims of this partnership are high, and so are the stakes”.

What truly takes the H&M and WWF partnership beyond the beaten track is our joint work to engage stakeholders and influence governance in China and Bangladesh. Here we can take water stewardship within the fashion industry to the next level. We now have our engagement plans for China in place and implementation will start early 2014.

Together we will engage a number of local stakeholders in China, including governmental institutions, NGOs, local communities and industry associations. Common to all stakeholders is their influence and interest in water policy on different levels; regional, provincial and national. If successful, both H&M and WWF will gain valuable experience and knowhow that can be used elsewhere to ensure better water management.

With a new year ahead of us, we have a lot of exciting activities in the pipeline and we are looking forward seeing even more specific results. We are proud of the partnership with WWF, which we hope will inspire others to follow.

GLOBAL MEDIA INQURIES
Only for media representatives
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

Please note the contact details above are only for media representatives. For other enquiries contact H&M’s switchboard on +46 8 796 55 00.

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8 shops on Reunion Island to join the Auchan brand from January 2014

Croix, France, 2014-1-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Groupe Auchan signed affiliation contracts for 8 shops on Reunion Island. The contracts enter into force this January.

On 28 January, 2 hypermarkets will join the Auchan brand, while 6 supermarkets will do likewise with the Simply Market brand on 29 January. The stores’ product offer and sales and promotions policies are similar to that of the brands they join and meet the expectations of local consumers. Groupe Auchan will also be ensuring the supply of part of the shops’ goods.

The 2 hypermarkets are located in Saint Louis and Saint Pierre. The 6 supermarkets are in the towns of Tampon (2), Saint Joseph, Saint Denis, Saint Gilles les Bains, and Plaine des Cafres.

The new affiliates are businesses belonging to the Thien Ah Koon family and to Mr. David Soui-Mine, well-known distribution professionals on Reunion Island.

This operation illustrates Groupe Auchan’s desire to develop new forms of partnership, in particular in the field of multi-brand retail (hypermarkets and supermarkets) both in France and abroad.

***

Press Contact:
François Cathalifaud
+33 (0)1 58 65 08 10 / +33 (0)6 21 09 84 35
fcathalifaud@auchan.fr

 

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Sainsbury’s 2014 voucher collection scheme launches with ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds

London, UK, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s is investing millions in the return of its Active Kids scheme, to help children lead healthier, more active lifestyles. Fronted by ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds, the 2014 voucher collection scheme launches seven months ahead of key changes to the national curriculum on cooking and healthy eating.

Over 100 new cookery and nutrition toolkits have been added to the range of sports and cooking equipment on offer as part of the voucher exchange for schools, Scouts and Guide groups and clubs. These additions will give teachers the resources they need to help children make healthier choices, encouraging interest in eating well and adding to Sainsbury’s nine year programme to get children more active.

From September, all pupils between the ages of seven and 14 are to be taught cookery as part of the new national curriculum. The Active Kids scheme and new cooking products and teacher resource toolkits, developed in collaboration with the British Nutritional Foundation and the Department of Education, will equip school children with the materials, ingredients and knowledge to learn the skills to lead healthier lives.

From Wednesday 29th January until 20th May 2014, customers can collect Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers when they shop at Sainsbury’s.

Justin King, Sainsbury’s CEO said: “We are excited to be launching our 10th year of Active Kids – now with even more choice – we believe it will help prepare schools for curriculum changes in September.

‘The benefits Active Kids brings to tens of thousands of schools and clubs makes us very proud. With the support of David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds, we know that in 2014 we can play a key part in helping young children understand cooking and healthy eating from a young age, as well as continuing to support local communities.”

Active Kids ambassador, David Beckham said: “Helping kids understand why being active and eating healthily is really important, which is why I am proud to announce that Sainsbury’s Active Kids collection is now open.

“There are more ways than ever for schools, groups and clubs to use their Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers – with loads of cooking and exercise equipment available – it’s time to get collecting.”

Active Kids ambassador, Ellie Simmonds said: “Understanding the balance between food and nutrition is something I’ve been very aware of as a young athlete. So, I’m really excited that Active Kids 2014 will help children learn more skills to get cooking as well as getting active.”

In 2013, Sainsbury’s invested over £13m in schools, groups and clubs through the Active Kids scheme, bringing the total investment to £136 million since 2005. This year, the scheme is bigger than ever with a catalogue of equipment providing groups with cookery and sporting equipment to help children live healthier lives. Sainsbury’s Active Kids launches with a new advertising campaign, fronted by ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds, OBE from Wednesday 29th January.

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Sainsbury’s 2014 voucher collection scheme launches with ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds

Sainsbury’s 2014 voucher collection scheme launches with ambassadors David Beckham and Ellie Simmonds

 

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Sainsbury announced Mike Coupe to succeed Justin King as company’s CEO

Sainsbury’s today announces that Justin King has decided to step down in July 2014 after 10 years as CEO, and that Mike Coupe, currently the Group Commercial Director, will succeed him as CEO.

London, UK, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — David Tyler, Chairman said: “Justin is a truly exceptional leader, who has reshaped Sainsbury’s during his 10 years as CEO, as well as playing a leading role in the sector and wider business world. The Board thanks him for his outstanding achievements in ‘Making Sainsbury’s Great Again’. He leaves a lasting legacy, with the Company stronger than ever.

“We are delighted to appoint a CEO of Mike’s unique talent and experience as Justin’s successor to lead the next chapter of Sainsbury’s history. No one knows Sainsbury’s – or the industry – better than Mike.  He has worked hand-in-hand with Justin over the past decade and has a proven track record of success making him the natural choice to take the Company forward.”

Justin King, CEO said: “This was not an easy decision for me to make, and in truth it will never feel like the right time to leave a company like Sainsbury’s. It has been a privilege to have led the Company for the past 10 years and I am incredibly proud of our achievements in that time. It is the 157,000 colleagues that make Sainsbury’s so special and I would like to thank them for their amazing efforts over the last decade in making Sainsbury’s great again. I am confident that under Mike’s leadership the business will go from strength to strength.”

Mike Coupe, CEO designate said: “It’s an absolute honour to be appointed as the new CEO of Sainsbury’s in this, the Company’s 145th year, and at a time when thanks to Justin’s leadership, we have been consistently outperforming the market. I very much look forward to building on that success for our customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders.”

Notes to editors

  • Justin will stand down as CEO at the AGM on 9 July 2014
  • Mike Coupe will continue as Group Commercial Director and CEO Designate in the interim
  • John Rogers continues as Chief Financial Officer

Sainsbury’s 2004 – 2014

1. 10m additional customers a week

  • c24m transactions a week in 2014 (vs 14m in April 2005)
  • Excellent customer service winning 14 of 30 Mystery Shopper awards for Service & Availability in 2013/14 (The Grocer)
  • Supermarket of the Year 2013 (6th time in eight years – Retail Industry Awards)
  • Brand of the Year 2013 (Marketing Society)
  • FTSE100 Business of the Year 2013 (National Business Awards)

2. £9.5bn of incremental sales

  • £16.1bn in 2004/5 (vs £25.6bn for 2012/13)

3. Underlying profits almost trebled

  • £254m in 2004/5 (vs £756m 2012/13)
  • Over £600m operational cost savings since 2008/9
  • Underlying operating margin up to 3.56% in 2012/13 (from 2.15% in 2004/5)

4. Market share continuing to grow

  • 17.1% (Kantar 12 weeks to 5 January)

5. Compelling non-food business

  • 7th biggest clothing retailer in the UK by volume, 11th by value
  • 7th biggest GM retailer in the UK by value
  • Full offer in over 400 stores with 1/3rd of the population now within a 15 minute drive

6. Scale convenience business

  • Nearly 600 convenience stores now opened (596 compared to 262 in 2004/5)
  • Awarded Convenience Chain of the Year (4th consecutive year – Retail Industry Awards)

7. Strong online business

  • £1bn online grocery business with over 190,000 orders each week
  • Online Retailer of the Year 2013 (2nd consecutive year – Grocer Gold Awards)

8. Sainsbury’s Bank

  • Five consecutive years of profit growth
  • Acquisition of remaining 50% stake from Lloyds Bank Group completes on 31 January 2014

9. Values a strategic point of difference

  • Leading positions on nutritional labelling, British sourcing, Fairtrade, RSPCA Freedom Foods and MSC
  • £136m worth of Active Kids equipment donated since 2005
  • First sole-sponsor of the Paralympic Games in 2012

10. Colleagues at the heart of our success

  • Record levels of colleague engagement (as measured by our annual Talkback survey)
  • Only food retailer accredited to Gold Standard by Investors in People
  • £520m to colleagues in bonuses (2005/6-2012/13)
  • Employer of the Year 2013 (Retail Week Awards)

Remuneration

The following information is provided in accordance with section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006.

Justin King will receive no annual bonus or Deferred Share Award for 2014/15, and will receive no awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP” – known as Value Builder or Future Builder) for 2014/15. He will remain eligible for consideration for payment of an annual bonus and Deferred Share Award for 2013/14, subject to performance over this period and determined in the normal manner after the year end.

Under the terms of his contract, Justin could be entitled to a cash severance payment of up to 175% of his base salary (worth potentially up to £1.7m) at departure. However, he has offered to waive the cash entitlement and the Remuneration Committee has therefore determined that:

  • There will be no payment in lieu of notice
  • There will be no acceleration of vesting for any share awards
  • The 2012/13 and 2013/14 Deferred Share Awards will subsist in full and will be released at the end of the deferral period.
  • The performance period for the 2011 LTIP award is due to end in March 2014, prior to Justin’s departure. This will vest in tranches during 2014 and 2015, subject to normal performance conditions
  • LTIP awards made to him in 2012 and 2013 will subsist in full and will vest at the normal date subject to normal performance conditions

This arrangement ensures that any payment to Justin is aligned with the performance of the Company following his departure; a sign of his confidence in the new management and the business’s continuing prospects.

Mike Coupe will receive a salary of £900k as Chief Executive. The overall variable incentive opportunity for the Chief Executive role will remain unchanged. However, it will be rebalanced towards the long-term award (Future Builder LTIP award). The incentive opportunity will be limited to 110% of salary for each of the annual bonus and Deferred Share Award with vesting subject to achievement of performance targets. Mike will be granted a core LTIP award under the Future Builder of 62.5% of salary with potential vesting of 0-4x (ie up to 250% of salary for achievement of stretch objectives) subject to 3-year performance targets. The changes in incentive opportunity will only come into effect from the date of promotion and so will be pro-rated accordingly in 2014/15. He will receive a pension allowance of 30% of salary. Mike’s contractual terms have been aligned with current best practice.

Further details of the operation of the Deferred Share Award and LTIP are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report in our Annual Report and Accounts 2012/13. Full disclosure of these remuneration arrangements will be provided in our Directors’ Remuneration Report in our Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14.

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Rite Aid raised $613,555 during its 2013 fundraising campaign for United Way of the Capital Region

Member of Pillar Society, Company also Honored with Inaugural $500,000 Club Award

Camp Hill, PA, US, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid announced today that associates in its corporate offices located throughout the greater Harrisburg area raised $613,555 during its 2013 fundraising campaign for the United Way of the Capital Region. Rite Aid is one of the largest supporters and has raised more than $6.4 million for the United Way of the Capital Region since it began holding a corporate campaign in 2002.

At a reception marking the end of the campaign Jan. 16, the United Way of the Capital Region (UWCR) announced that it raised more than $11.8 million during its 2013 campaign. At the reception, Rite Aid was once again named to the Pillar Society, which recognizes organizations that contribute at least $100,000 in combined corporate and employee giving and was also one of three companies to receive the inaugural $500,000 Club Award for its level of giving.

“Rite Aid associates in the corporate offices have long-supported the United Way of the Capital Region and I know I speak for the entire team when I say we are proud to partner with them in their efforts to assist and improve the lives of those in our community,” said Ken Martindale, Rite Aid president and chief operating officer and president of The Rite Aid Foundation. “Our 2013 campaign, which included a $20,000 increase over the prior year’s campaign, truly highlights the passion of our team and our commitment to being a caring neighbor.”

Rite Aid’s associate giving campaign kicked off on Sept. 24. The company also raised money during its 2013 campaign through a silent online auction, a departmental basket challenge and a series of pancake breakfasts and pizza parties across its corporate offices.

“Each year, the United Way of the Capital Region makes a profound impact in the lives of many by addressing specific needs and providing critical resources to partner agencies in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, but that wouldn’t be possible without the support of companies like Rite Aid,” said Timothy B. Fatzinger, United Way of the Capital Region president and CEO. “It’s clear that Rite Aid associates share our mission and are dedicated to making a difference, and we’re so thankful for their generous support.”

In addition to its campaign each fall, as a Corporate Cornerstone Company, The Rite Aid Foundation underwrites a portion of the costs for the production and printing of the United Way of the Capital Region’s campaign materials, which are used by companies conducting associate giving campaigns. Rite Aid associates also participate in the organization’s “Day of Caring” program, the areas’ largest one-day event set aside for volunteer opportunities at local non-profit agencies and are involved in the Bridges Society and the Women’s Leadership Network, two organizations within the United Way of the Capital region focused on volunteerism and philanthropy.

The United Way of the Capital Region’s mission is to help change lives in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties by raising money through a community-wide campaign, identifying long-term and emerging needs, finding solutions to address those needs, and measuring results that show donors how their dollars are making a difference. For more information on The United Way of the Capital Region, visit http://www.uwcr.org/.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2013 annual revenues of $25.4 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

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Contact:

Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713

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S-Group: retailers can make a difference to fix unfair working conditions in high-risk countries

Helsinki, Finland, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — There is no quick fix to the problem of unfair working conditions in high-risk countries, but we are moving in the right direction, says S-Group Corporate Responsibility Director Lea Rankinen.

S-Group has made major efforts over the last year to enhance supply chain monitoring for foodstuffs.

“Customers expect us to know the supply chain of the products that we sell in our stores, and they expect it to stand up to close scrutiny. Transparency is our watchword,” Rankinen explains.

Although monitoring formerly extended only as far as the manufacturing stage in high-risk countries, it has now been enlarged to include raw material production, even when the final product is made in Finland or in another well-regulated country. S-Group has ensured that its suppliers are fully familiar with social responsibility requirements for suppliers of raw materials, and with its expectations of compliance in this respect. “Traceability and human rights are now progressing through the supply chain at a good pace, but it takes time and patience to implement new operating practices,” Rankinen stresses.

Transparent supply chains are good for everyone

Rankinen is not surprised at the findings of Finnwatch reports published both recently and a year ago, and she expects to see similar anomalies exposed in future as the spotlight focuses on supply chains all the way to the raw material source.

Visiting Thailand in August 2013, the S-Group food trade management team met all of the suppliers whose operations were highlighted in the previous Finnwatch report. The visit also included personal contact with public authorities and government representatives. All of these meetings focused on correcting identified shortcomings in working conditions.

“This is a long-term undertaking in which progress is made in small steps,” explains Jari Simolin, Sourcing Director for Groceries at S-Group. “Boycotts are not the solution, but instead we must work together with local operators and international regulatory control mechanisms.”

The work of the S-Group fact-finding team in Thailand last year was extensively reported through the Finnish-language Patarumpu information service:

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/08/26/matka-thaimaan-tehtaisiin/

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/08/30/kuvareportaasi-thaimaan-tehdasvierailulta/

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/09/03/tonnikalatehtaan-tytto/

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/09/06/matkakertomus-siirtolaistyon-maasta/

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/09/11/toimitusketjujen-lyhentaminen-on-kaikkien-etu/

http://patarumpu.fi/2013/10/28/videopaivakirjoja-siirtolaistyon-maasta/

For further details please contact:

Lea Rankinen, Director, Corporate Reponsibility at S-Group, tel. +358 10 768 2453

Jari Simolin, Sourcing Director for Groceries at S-Group, tel. +358 10 768 7030

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Meijer announced photo contest for its youngest shoppers for co-starring role in new TV commercial

Photo contest will pair iconic penny horse with retailer’s youngest shoppers

Grand Rapids, MI, US, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer is offering its younger customers a chance for a co-starring role in an upcoming television commercial at the cost of one cent. The commercial is scheduled to debut across the Midwest retailer’s five-state footprint in 2014, and will feature images of children riding its iconic penny horse, Sandy, over several generations.

Meijer is asking customers to submit photos featuring their children or their younger selves riding Sandy through a “Star with Sandy” contest application on the Meijer Facebook page. Ten winners will receive $100 Meijer gift cards and all photos have the chance to appear in the commercial, announced Nicole Laughlin, vice president of brand development for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

“Sandy is unique to Meijer and we’re pleased to have her as part of our shopping experience,” Laughlin said. “We look forward to sharing these special moments in our advertising, to help us say ‘hello’ to new neighbors and bring a smile to seasoned Sandy riders in the communities we’ve served for much longer.”

The iconic mechanical horse made its debut with the opening of Thrifty Acres in 1962, when the late Fred Meijer, who had a long history with horses, learned of 10-cent pony rides at a supermarket in Nebraska. Fred thought a dime was a lot of money and decided to charge one penny, a price which has since become a symbol of family shopping at reasonable prices.

“If you can put a penny in you can be a hero to the kids for a penny, or for three cents for three kids,” said Fred in “Fred Meijer: In His Own Words.”

Sandy has been a fixture at the front of all Meijer stores across the Midwest for decades, and is often the last thing a child remembers on the way out of the store. The only time Fred Meijer felt bad for having ponies in the store was in 1964, when the Greenville, Mich. store burned down. He remembered children were crying because they thought the horse had burned up.

“My dad believed in making things affordable for our customers and that included Sandy,” Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer said. “Riding Sandy is a memory shared by so many children and parents who shop at our stores. But the real magic happens when those children grow up and bring their own kids back for a ride.”

The Star with Sandy contest is open through Feb. 6. Entries can be submitted at www.Facebook.com/Meijer.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 204 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968, christina.fecher@meijer.com

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Meijer announced photo contest for its youngest shoppers for co-starring role in new TV commercial

Meijer announced photo contest for its youngest shoppers for co-starring role in new TV commercial

 

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Russia’s largest retailer Magnit expands its greenhouse complex

Krasnodar, Russia, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — OJSC “Magnit”, Russia’s largest retailer (the “Company”; MICEX and LSE: MGNT) announces the expansion of its greenhouse complex.

Please be informed that “Magnit” has begun construction on the expansion of its “TK Zelyonaya Liniya” (Green Line) greenhouse complex, which is located in the village of Plastunovskaya in the region of Krasnodar Kray. In 2014, Magnit plans to add an additional 40 hectares (99 acres) of greenhouses, which will be comprised of 2 structures of 20 hectares each. The 1st block will be operational in the Autumn of 2014 with the 2nd block coming on-line in the beginning of 2015. It is expected that the CapEx for the additional 40 hectares will be approximately 3.6 billion Rubles ($104 million USD).

As of the end of 2013, “TK Zelyonaya Liniya” (Green Line) operated 43 hectares, comprised of 40 hectares of greenhouses (8 structures of 5 hectares each) and 3 hectares of seedling hotbeds. The vegetables currently grown in the greenhouses are cucumbers, tomatoes, greens (lettuce, dill, parsley), and cherry tomatoes.

Please see the photo below for a birds-eye view of the “TK Zelyonaya Liniya” greenhouse complex. The photo was taken on January 18th, 2014.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post
Director, Investor Relations
Email: post@gw.tander.ru
Office: +7-861-277-4554 x7600
Mobile: +7-961-511-7678
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Dina Svishcheva
Deputy Director, Investor Relations
Email: Chistyak@gw.tander.ru
Office: +7-861-277-45-54 x5101
Mobile: +7-961-511-0202
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Company description:
Magnit is Russia’s largest retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of December 31, 2013, Magnit operated 22 distribution centers and over 8,000 stores (7,200 convenience, 207 hypermarkets, and 686 cosmetics) in more than 1,868 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the unaudited IFRS management accounts for 2013, Magnit had revenues of $18,202 million USD and an EBITDA of $2,032 million USD. Magnit’s local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MICEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of BB. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is now Europe’s 2nd largest retailer.

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Target to open nine new stores in Canada in 2014

Mississauga, ON, Canada, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Target announced today that it will continue its Canadian expansion in 2014 by adding another nine store locations to the 124 Target stores now open in all ten provinces.  The majority of the new stores will open in Ontario, with single store additions planned for Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and B.C.

“The past year marked a major milestone for Target as we delivered on the unprecedented goal of opening 124 Target stores across ten provinces in 2013,” said Tony Fisher, president, Target Canada.  “As we head into 2014, we will continue to enhance the guest experience at all stores, while continuing to expand our presence in new Canadian neighbourhoods.”

The new Target stores that will open in 2014 include:

Spring 2014:

The Stockyards, Toronto, Ontario

Kingsway Mall, Edmonton, Alberta

Hillside Centre, Victoria, British Columbia

 

Summer 2014

Erin Mills Town Centre, Mississauga, Ontario

Park Place, Barrie, Ontario

Carrefour Candiac, Candiac, Quebec

 

Fall 2014:

St. Laurent, Ottawa, Ontario

Sheridan Centre, Mississauga, Ontario

Polo Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

Target provides Canadian guests with a one-stop shopping destination for stylish, quality products at unbeatable prices, including beauty, apparel and accessories, home, grocery, personal care and more.  Each store carries an extensive range of Target owned and exclusive brands, including C9 by Champion, Circo, Cherokee, Merona, Mossimo Supply Co., Mossimo Black, Xhiliration, Thershold, Room Essentials, Pixi, Archer Farms, Market Pantry and up & up; exclusive, limited time collaborations and ongoing collaborations such as the Nate Berkus Collection, the Sonia Kashuk Collection, Liz Lange Maternity for Target and Giada De Laurentiis for Target. Target also offers local products specific to each market, including the Aliments du Quebec product offering in Quebec.

Target Canada is proud to employ an average of 150 team members at each of its Canadian locations, including the nine additional stores announced today. For more information on store locations, please visit target.ca.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,921 stores – 1,797 in the United States and 124 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

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IKEA Group’s net income increased by 3.1% to $4.2 billion in FY2013

The IKEA Group net income increased by 3.1% to EUR 3.3 billion ($4.2 billion*) for the financial year 2013**; and market conditions continued to improve with strong growth in China, Russia and the US. IKEA US FY13 comparable store sales grew by 6.7%.

Conshohocken, PA, US, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — “Consumer spending is improving in many countries. While the challenging economic situation may not be over, there are positive signs. Important consumer markets such as the US are coming back and Europe in general is starting to recover. Even some of the challenging markets in Southern Europe are showing good signs of activity”, says President and CEO, Peter Agnefjäll.

Sales increased by 3.1% from last year to EUR 27.9 billion ($36.2 billion*) and the IKEA Group gained market share in almost all markets. Together with the rental income from our shopping centers, the total revenues amounted to EUR 28.5 billion ($37 billion*)(+3.2%). The largest markets were Germany, the US, France, Russia and Sweden.

“This indicates that value for money is increasingly important. I’m especially happy to see customers embracing our range of products designed to help them live a more sustainable life at home. For example, customers bought more than 22 million LED products in FY13 alone, saving them energy and money”, continues Peter Agnefjäll.

The IKEA Group has an ambitious growth agenda, aiming for EUR 50 billion ($65 billion*)in sales by 2020. The large emerging markets are important sources of future growth. In FY13, the IKEA Group opened two more stores in China – another step in the expansion on the Chinese market.

“We have a long-term focus. We’ll keep developing better products at lower prices, improving the shopping experience and becoming more accessible to our customers, for example through an improved service offer, e-commerce and continued expansion. Our ownership structure and sound financial principles give us independence and the possibility to grow in a balanced and sustainable way”, says Peter Agnefjäll.

* Dollar to Euro calculated at $1.33, Average for August 2013.
**FY13 = Financial year 2013 encompasses the period between September 1, 2012, to August 31, 2013.

IKEA US FY13 Highlights

“We are pleased with the fiscal year 2013 results of IKEA US. People continue to choose IKEA as their destination for home furnishings and accessories. This has resulted in strong sales, as well as growing membership in our IKEA Family loyalty program. IKEA expansion in the US also continues with one store opening in FY14 and another opening in FY15*. Additionally, we are increasing our overall purchasing from US suppliers. All this demonstrates that the IKEA offering of good value, good design and functional furniture at affordable prices is relevant and desirable for US consumers,” commented Mike Ward, IKEA US President.

US Sales and Services: US comparable store sales grew by 6.7%. E-commerce grew 65%. Strong sales were a result of e-commerce sales (including expanded e-commerce offering of home furnishing accessories) also, lowering prices on some best selling items and expanded service offering with focus on kitchen services.

In FY13, IKEA US continued to lower prices on some of its best-selling items, including a 40% reduction on EKTORP sofa w/SVANBY covers and a 20% reduction on HAMPEN rugs (5’3”x7’7’’). Services introduced in FY12 (home delivery, picking, picking with delivery, assembly, assembly with delivery and kitchen installation) contributed to FY13 success with the number of home deliveries increasing 75% from FY 12. Picking and delivery grew 30% over FY12. Assembly and delivery expanded to cover all store markets.

IKEA Family (IKEA customer loyalty program) membership grew 85% in FY13 to 4.3 million, up from 2.3 million members in FY12.

Reinvesting in IKEA US Stores: IKEA US is currently in the process investing in total remodels of the Marketplaces in US stores, where home furnishing accessories are sold. During FY13, 17 more storess across the US received Marketplace remodels, with four others to be completed in FY14. The goal of these remodels is to improve the customer shopping experience and show a wide range of home furnishing accessories in a better way. In FY13, IKEA began the process for expanding its Boston-are store in Stoughton, MA., where construction is expected to conclude Summer 2014.

Expansion: IKEA US officially broke ground in 2013 on two stores slated to open in 2014; its second South Florida store will open this summer in Miami- Dade County and a Kansas City-area store will open this Fall in Merriam, KS. Additionally, IKEA recently announced plans to open a St. Louis store in Fall 2015.*

US Sustainability Initiatives ~ Renewable Energy: IKEA US is in the midst of investing $150 million in Photovoltaic systems. IKEA is currently the 2nd largest private commercial solar US owner/user. During FY13, IKEA installed solar panels atop 8 more US locations. Total IKEA US units now covered is 39 out of 44 (90%). For FY14, IKEA US will expand the solar installations atop 3 locations as well as install an array atop its future Miami-Dade store set to open in Summer 2014. For FY14, IKEA US will be constructing a geothermal project to heat and cool the future Kansas City-area store opening Fall 2014 in Merriam, KS. FY14 plans include to further these investments into other alternative energy technologies.

*IKEA opens one store in FY14, and another store FY15. Both stores -Miami and Kansas City- open in calendar year 2014. Fall 2015 store opening will be St. Louis, FY16 for IKEA.

ABOUT IKEA
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 305 IKEA Group stores in 26 countries. There are 38 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 13, the IKEA Group had 135,000 co-workers, 684 million visitors to the stores and 1.3 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.The Yearly Summary FY13 and the IKEA Group Sustainability Report FY13 are available on IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @DesignByIKEA, and http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/.

For further information, please contact:
Mona Astra Liss, US Corporate PR Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext. 5852
Ylva Magnusson, Media relations IKEA Group, Ylva.Magnusson@IKEA.com+46 723 527 220,

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IKEA Group released its Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2013

Conshohocken, PA, US, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The IKEA Group Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2013 *, released today, shows strong progress on its People & Planet Positive strategy, building on its long history of working with sustainability. This is the first year IKEA Group reports progress against this new sustainability strategy.

Highlights from FY13:

  • IKEA Group has committed to own 137 wind turbines and installed 550,000 solar panels, taking the company a step closer to producing more renewable energy than the total energy it uses by 2020.
  • Sold 22.4 million LED products including 12.3 million LED bulbs. The LED bulbs alone save each customer $9.45 (€7)** in electricity costs per bulb, per year compared with incandescent. Customers will save a combined total of $116.1 million (€86 million) per year from the LED bulbs sold.
  • $54 million (€40 million) saved through energy efficiency efforts in stores and warehouses since FY10.
  • IKEA Group is one of the world’s largest buyers of FSC-certified wood in the retail sector, and almost 1/3 of its wood was FSC certified or recycled in FY13. All wood was sourced from suppliers that meet the IKEA forestry standard.
  • The share of cotton from more sustainable sources used in products more than doubled, increasing from 34% (FY12) to 72% (FY13).
  • 47% of managers are women.
  • The IKEA Foundation donated $136.3 million (€101 million) in 2013 to projects that support millions of children in some of the world’s poorest communities, a 21% increase from 2012.

“Everyone, including IKEA, has a part to play in tackling the expected shortages of resources and the impacts of climate change while providing people with a good quality of life. With our vision of creating “a better everyday life for the many people,” I am convinced there is no other way of doing business than in a sustainable way,” said Peter Agnefjäll, President and CEO, IKEA Group.

“One year on from the launch of our People & Planet Positive strategy, we are making good progress – more than doubling the amount of cotton we buy from more sustainable sources, investing in renewable energy, and enabling millions of people to live more sustainably at home. The 22 million LED products we sold during the year show that more sustainable products have great appeal when customers can understand the savings they can make from day one,” said Steve Howard, Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Group. *FY13 = Financial year 2013 encompasses the period between Sept. 1, 2012, to August 31, 2013. ** Dollar to Euro = $1.35 dollar to one euro.

IKEA US FY13 Highlights

IKEA US Sustainability Initiatives ~ Renewable Energy:

  • In the midst of investing $150 million in Photovoltaic systems.
  • Currently the 2nd largest private commercial solar US owner/user.
  • During FY13, IKEA US installed solar panels atop 8 more US locations. Total IKEA US units now covered is 39 out of 44 (90%). For FY14, IKEA US will expand the solar installations atop 3 locations as well as install an array atop its future Miami-Dade store set to open in Summer 2014.
  • When all projects are complete, total generating capacity will be 38 mega-watts with a yearly output of 49 gigawatts of electricity, the equivalent of powering more than 4,200 homes annually. This will mean 33,000 less tons of CO2 being created and is equivalent to removing 6,600 cars from the road.
  • For FY14, IKEA US will be constructing a geothermal project to heat and cool the future Kansas City-area store opening Fall 2014 in Merriam, KS. FY14 plans include furthering these investments into other alternative energy technologies.
  • In April 2013, IKEA US signed CERES, a Climate Declaration, in coordination with BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy) with other major businesses – a declaration to tackle climate change.

US Social Program Initiatives

  • IKEA US supported thousands of Hurricane Sandy victims through the donation of IKEA home furnishing products as well as cash donations. These projects included:
    • American Red Cross and Save the Children in-kind donations.
    • Solar installation on Brooklyn Community Center, partnering with Global Green.
    • Furniture donations through Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
    • Save the Children furnishing donations and children’s play products for early learning centers.
    • Cash donations to American Forests Disaster ReLeaf to plant trees in Asbury Park, NJ (a heard hit area by Hurricane Sandy). Money was raised by customer store donation program and IKEA match dollar donation.
  • IKEA US Soft Toy Program FY13 raised over $1 million and $16.2 million globally, impacting 10 million children to have access to a quality education.

ABOUT IKEA
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 305 IKEA Group stores in 26 countries. There are 38 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 13, the IKEA Group had 135,000 co-workers, 684 million visitors to the stores and 1.3 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.The IKEA Sustainability Report FY13 is available at www.IKEA.com (under About IKEA, People & Planet.). For more information, see facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @DesignByIKEA, and http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/.

For further information, please contact:
Mona Astra Liss, US Corporate PR Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext. 5852

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7-Eleven Inc. in the game to win piece of the pie on pizza’s biggest sales day of the year

Dallas, TX, US, 2014-1-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Eleven, Inc. is in the game to win a piece of the pie on pizza’s biggest sales day of the year, which happens to coincide with the biggest football game of the year. The convenience retailer is offering pizza-loving sports fans and sports-loving pizza fans piping-hot, large Pepperoni and Triple Cheese pizzas for just $5.55 each and a large Deluxe Meat pizza for $6.99.

Customers can get an even better deal when they purchase a 2-liter bottle of any brand of soft drink and save another dollar, lowering the already-low prices of the pizzas to $4.55 and $5.99, respectively. The fresh-baked, 14-inch pizzas are available for takeout at participating stores nationwide.

For fans who can’t decide between pizza or that other super game food – chicken wings, 7-Eleven® stores offer a combo deal that includes a large pizza and 10 chicken wings … or a large pizza, five chicken wings and four mozzarella sticks for just $10.

“7-Eleven will have delicious, hot pizza for take-out before, during and after the game, whether your team is winning or losing,” said Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven vice president of Fresh Food Innovation. “Customers can choose their pizza variety, and we’ll bake it fresh for you, on the spot anytime, day or night.

“Fans can grab their favorite hot pizza, wings, cheese sticks and everything else they need for the big game – beer, wine and soft drinks, ice, chips and dips,” added Buckley. “Where else can you order and have hot pizza ready in just a couple of minutes, anytime 24/7, while grabbing your favorite beverage for the game?”

Besides the self-explanatory large pepperoni pizza, 7-Eleven’s Deluxe Meat pizza is topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, beef, pork sausage and diced bacon, while the Triple-Cheese pizza includes melted mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Wings are available in three flavors – Barbecue, Spicy and Asian-style Dragon wings. Crispy, breaded mozzarella sticks come with a side of marinara sauce.

Not only is Sunday, Feb. 2, the biggest day for pizza sales, it also is the day chicken wings fly off the proverbial shelves. While pizza restaurants talk about the number of slices sold for the day as being in the millions, the number of chicken wings consumed over the game weekend is well over 1 billion, according to the National Chicken Council.

Other top-selling pizza days are Halloween, Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For 7-Eleven, add Christmas Day to that list when pizza sales showed a dramatic spike. At just $5.55 for a large, hot pizza, the convenience retailer expects another jump in pizza sales during the big game weekend when ice sales triple, and beer, chips and dip sales double.

More than 5,200 U.S. 7-Eleven stores sell hot foods.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 10,200 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are close to 51,700 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2012, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.8 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; #3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2012, and #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine’s 2013 list of the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail” and among the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2013 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and on GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

Contact:
Margaret Chabris
7-Eleven, Inc.
972-828-7285
margaret.chabris@7-11.com

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7-Eleven Inc. in the game to win piece of the pie on pizza’s biggest sales day of the year

 

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J. C. Penney Company, Inc. amends and extends existing stockholder rights plan to protect tax benefits

Plano, TX, US, 2014-1-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has acted to protect the Company’s valuable net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) by amending and extending the Company’s existing stockholder rights plan.

The Company has over $2 billion in NOLs, which can be used in certain circumstances to offset future taxable income and reduce federal income tax liability. The Company’s ability to use its NOLs would be substantially limited if an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code were to occur. Ownership changes under Section 382 generally relate to the cumulative change in ownership among stockholders with an ownership interest of 5% or more (as determined under Section 382’s rules) over a rolling three year period. The amended rights plan was adopted by the Board to reduce the likelihood of an “ownership change” occurring.

The amendments to the Company’s rights plan include extending the plan’s expiration date from August 20, 2014 to January 26, 2017, and lowering the beneficial ownership threshold for a person or group to become an “acquiring person” under the plan from 10% to 4.9%. Under the amended rights plan, if any person or group acquires 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company without the approval of the Board of Directors, there would be a triggering event causing significant dilution in the ownership interest of such person or group. However, existing stockholders who currently own 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock will trigger a dilutive event only if they acquire additional shares, subject to specified exceptions.

The purpose of the amended rights plan is to protect stockholder value by preserving the Company’s ability to fully use its NOLs. The amended rights plan is similar to plans adopted by other public companies with significant net operating losses.

The amended rights plan, which takes effect immediately, will continue in effect until January 26, 2017, subject to earlier expiration in specific circumstances. The Company expects to submit the amended rights plan to a vote at the next annual meeting of stockholders in May 2014. If stockholders do not approve the amended rights plan, it will be terminated. The full text of the amended rights plan will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Concurrently with the amendment and extension of the rights plan, the Board of Directors has adopted certain amendments to the Company’s certificate of incorporation which are also designed to preserve the Company’s ability to use its NOLs. The charter amendments would generally void transfers of shares that would result in the creation of a new 4.9% stockholder or an existing 4.9% stockholder acquiring additional shares. The Company expects to submit the charter amendments to a stockholder vote at the 2014 annual meeting. If stockholders do not approve the charter amendments, they will not become effective.

Media Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com

Investor Relations:
(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation’s largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to becoming America’s preferred retail destination for unmatched style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,100 stores and at jcp.com, customers will discover an inspiring shopping environment that features the most sought after collection of private, national and exclusive brands and attractions. For more information, please visit jcp.com.

Use of Social Media:
Investors and others should note that we currently announce material information using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. In the future, we will continue to use these channels to distribute material information about the Company and may also utilize our website and/or various social media to communicate important information about the Company, key personnel, new brands and services, trends, new marketing campaigns, corporate initiatives and other matters. Information that we post on our website or on social media channels could be deemed material; therefore, we encourage investors, the media, our customers, business partners and others interested in our Company to review the information we post on our website as well as the following social media channels: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jcp) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/jcpnews).

Any updates to the list of social media channels we may use to communicate material information will be posted on the Investor Relations page of the Company’s website at www.jcp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to, statements regarding sales trends, year-end liquidity and cost savings. Forward-looking statements are based only on the Company’s current assumptions and views of future events and financial performance. They are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company’s control that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from planned or expected results. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including inflation, recession, unemployment levels, consumer confidence and spending patterns, credit availability and debt levels, changes in store traffic trends, the cost of goods, more stringent or costly payment terms and/or the decision by a significant number of vendors not to sell us merchandise on a timely basis or at all, trade restrictions, the ability to monetize non-core assets on acceptable terms, the ability to implement our turnaround strategy, customer acceptance of our new strategies, our ability to attract, motivate and retain key executives and other associates, the impact of cost reduction initiatives, our ability to generate or maintain liquidity, implementation of new systems and platforms, changes in tariff, freight and shipping rates, changes in the cost of fuel and other energy and transportation costs, increases in wage and benefit costs, competition and retail industry consolidations, interest rate fluctuations, dollar and other currency valuations, the impact of weather conditions, risks associated with war, an act of terrorism or pandemic, the ability of the federal government to fund and conduct its operations, a systems failure and/or security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information and legal and regulatory proceedings. There can be no assurances that the Company will achieve expected results, and actual results may be materially less than expectations. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q and subsequent filings for a further discussion of risks and uncertainties. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements as of any future date.

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