Monthly Archives: April 2014

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New Zealand: Entries for the 2014 New World Wine Awards open on 12 May

Waiheke, New Zealand, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Entries for the 2014 New World Wine Awards open on 12 May and top winemakers are encouraging their peers to enter. In addition to the distinction of an award that recognises quality on the same international scale as all other wine competitions, winning winemakers are guaranteed national distribution in New World supermarkets and extensive brand exposure, driving sustained sales.

Simon Swa from Peregrine Wines, which won two gold medals last year for their Saddleback range, says the promotion of New World Wine Awards award-winning wines is a key point of difference from other wine shows.

“There is a well-planned program of in-store promotions, online publicity and printed media that is triggered by a medal win so the commercial benefits are immediate and meaningful. Without doubt, we have enjoyed a notable increase in sales and a heightened level of brand awareness,” said Swa.

Last year 364,000 bottles of the Top 50 wines, with a retail value of $4.7m, were sold throughout New World supermarkets in the first six weeks of the results being announced; the Champion White Wine, Spy Valley’s Marlborough Chardonnay 2012, sold out in a week. That volume of sales in the first six weeks was over 21% higher than in the corresponding period in the previous year, reflecting increasing awareness among consumers of the integrity of these wine awards.

Julie Ibbotson from Saint Clair Family Estate says that alongside a range of other positive reviews and medal results from wine shows all over the world, Saint Clair values the opportunity to showcase their wines at the New World Wine Awards each year.

“The New World Wine Awards has become another credible fixture in the annual New Zealand wine show calendar. Wine show judging credibility is essential and at the New World Wine Awards this has always been of a consistently high calibre,” she said.

The New World Wine Awards is also the only wine show in New Zealand that has a low alcohol category, providing an opportunity for wineries that are at the forefront of responding to consumer demand for high quality reduced or low alcohol wines to benchmark their wines. In addition, the closing date for entries has been extended, which enables more new vintage wines to be entered.

The New World Wine Awards is judged by an independent panel of 13 expert wine judges who blind-taste each wine over the course of two days, using the same internationally recognised 20-point system as other leading wine competitions to ensure the winning wines are the best examples of their type. The only difference is that all wines entered must retail for below $25 a bottle and there must be at least 6,000 bottles of each wine available for sale, responding to consumer demand for high quality but affordable and widely available wines.

This year the judging panel will include Sam Harrop as the guest international judge. Voted the ‘10th most influential wine consultant in the world’ by Drinks Business in 2013, he is also one of only 312 wine experts globally to hold the prestigious Masters of Wine qualification.

The judges will award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, and a Champion Red, White and Bubbles overall. In addition to the distinction of an award, the top 50 wines will be showcased in 137 New World stores nationwide, online and in the New World Wine Awards booklet.

Entries to the competition close on Friday 20 June. All details are at www.wineshow.co.nz

Ends

2014 New World Wine Awards Judges
Jim Harré – Wine Consultant (Chair)
Sam Harrop – Wine Making Consultant (guest international judge)
Barry Rewai – Clearview Estate
Ben Glover – Mudhouse
Dr. Alistair Leggat – Wine judge
Jane Boyle – Villa Maria
Jeff Clarke – Ara Wine Estate
Kate Radburnd – CJ Pask
Olly Masters – Misha’s Vineyard, Ata Rangi & Seresin Estate
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit
Sarah Kate Dineen – Maude Wines
Simon Nunns – Coopers Creek
Terry Copeland – Wine Consultant

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SASCO to release cash dividends for the financial year 2013 with lump sum of 33,750,000 Saudi Riyals

Malaz, Riyadh, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Reference to SASCO Ordinary General Assembly Meeting (thirty one) held at 4:00 pm of Tuesday April 29th 2014 at SASCO Head office (Al-Ehsa Street Malaz – Riyadh) which was decided to release cash dividends for the financial year 2013 with a lump sum of 33,750,000 Saudi Riyals equivalent to 7.5% of the share par value as (0.75) SR for each share taking into consideration that the profit distribution is eligible for shareholders registers in company’s record at the end of the general assembly day (29th April 2014),

SASCO would like to announce the date of releasing the cash dividends will start on Sunday 25th May 2014 through Al Rajhi Bank, where the dividends will be deposited in current accounts related to investors portfolio for eligible shareholders. Other shareholders don’t have investment portfolio, SASCO would like to request them to open an investment portfolio or review any branch of Al Rajhi Bank to receive their dues.

For any inquiry, please call the toll free number of Al Rajhi Bank 8001228888 or the shareholders affairs department in the company on (011 2068855) Ext. 1112.

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Harris Teeter and Cargill Meat Solutions to host ceremony to present Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina with protein and cash donation

Charlotte, N.C. , 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Donation Timed to Celebrate Launch of USDA Certified Very Tender Program at Harris Teeter

Date:        Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Time:        10 a.m.

Location:   Ballantyne Commons Harris Teeter
15007 John J. Delaney Drive
Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Live shots are welcomed!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014, Harris Teeter and Cargill Meat Solutions are hosting a private ceremony to present Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina with a donation of both protein and cash in support of its commitment to fighting hunger in the Charlotte community.  Harris Teeter is offering the donation to Second Harvest to celebrate that it is the first retailer in the country to meet the requirements of the USDA Certified Very Tender program.

The USDA Very Tender certification guarantees consumers the highest-quality tender eating experience, and Harris Teeter believes that the program will serve as a useful tool for consumers for whom tenderness is a necessary contributor to their beef purchase.

Representatives from Harris Teeter, Cargill Meat Solutions and Second Harvest will attend the ceremony.

Harris Teeter has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina for decades, providing the organization with both food and funds to help fight hunger in the Charlotte area. Harris Teeter hosts both in-store campaigns for the food bank and also donates to it through corporate giving dollars.

Following the press conference, Harris Teeter will sample its Angus Boneless Strip Steak, a product which meets the requirements of the USDA Certified Very Tender label. The sampling will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in front of the store.

For more information about Harris Teeter’s USDA Very Tender Program announcement, click here.

To learn more about the USDA’s Process Verified Programs, visit processverified.usda.gov.

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Tesco launches its transformed homeware range with over 2000 new products available online and in store

Cheshunt, England, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco is helping customers to accessorise their homes with the latest design trends, through the launch of its transformed homeware range. The range, led by a new team, reflects current fashions and offers a choice of five key Spring/Summer trends. It encourages customers to make the most of their home life.

The team of experts has travelled the world for inspiration to bring shoppers the most current styles. There are around 2000 new products online and in store from today – that represents around two thirds of the entire home range.  The five key collections for spring summer 2014 run across home, garden, electrical and stationery. They are:

Monochrome: Classic black and white with a pop of bright yellow for a modern twist, reflects a big trend in clothing across the high street and catwalk

Seaside: This blue, white and red nautical theme offers a breath of fresh sea air across home and garden ware

Sherbet Crush: A twist on spring pastels, this theme is based around aqua blues, raspberry sundae pinks and sunny yellows

Moroccan: Sunset shades and glittering lights create a warm look in garden and home ware

Couture: Florals, pretty pinks and sumptuous fabrics, with a few decorative touches, for those who prefer a luxurious feel

The new home and lifestyle collections sit alongside a variety of fashion and high end brands now also available at Tesco, including Emma Bridgewater, Orla Kiely, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Denby and many more, so customers can access great style without breaking the bank.

The new General Merchandise range is firmly anchored around family, food and home, making it easy for customers to get everything they need for a comfortable, stylish and affordable home life.

Alongside style and design, there has also been a strong focus on quality. For example, towels are now double sided for extra softness and thickness; a selection of cushions are made in Britain; the weave density and yarns have been changed across bedding to improve the quality and feel; every one of our painted ceramic dinnerware pieces is hand-dipped with two colour glazes using traditional, artisan methods, so every piece is unique. (Please see editor’s notes).

Steven Rowe, Head of Design for Tesco Home, comments: “I take inspiration from everywhere I go, whether it’s travelling round the world, from the catwalks or watching a film. The trends in the range reflect a variety of designs and colours to offer something for everyone’s taste.”

“Monochrome is likely to be very popular this season because it is so crisp, clean and stylish. For shoppers preferring a more romantic feel, the Couture range is beautiful.”

“As a designer, the stand-out accessories for me have to be the beautiful blue oversized vases from the Seaside trend, they are real statement pieces and will look fantastic in any home,” continues Rowe.

“Customers love being able to be ‘supermarket-chic’, surprising their friends with pieces they’ve picked up that are great quality but with a price tag that their friends will never guess. It’s also convenient as they can browse as they’re doing their weekly shop.”

“Right now, lots of customers tell us they don’t have the money to completely refurbish so they’re being savvy and creative and making over their homes with changes in colours and accessories instead.”

Bernadette Lusher, Commercial Director, UK General Merchandise, explains: “My priority over the last year has been to re-energise the home and lifestyle offer with the latest trends. We’re focused on being the supermarket to offer customers stylish, accessible, design-led products for all aspects of their home life, so you’ll see the trends across other departments as well, including stationery and garden.”

Customers will also notice a change in how the ranges are presented in store and these changes have begun to roll out already.

For more information please contact:

Toni Trow 01992 806 206 toni.trow@uk.tesco.com

Laura Quick 01992 806 986 laura.quick@uk.tesco.com

Jo Offord 01992 646479  jo.offord@uk.tesco.com

Notes to Editors:

  • Each collection usually takes around four to six months to develop
  • 63% of ranges is made up of entirely new products and 82% new packaging

Examples of improved quality:

Bedding:

  • The thread count was increased to 180 thread count percale which improved the weave density
  • Moved to a finer yarn thickness to give a softer hand feel

Towels:

  • Offering two towels in one, the ultra-absorbent, super soft towels are dual-sided with one side made from Nanospun°cotton yarns and the reverse side is 100% 2 ply combed cotton

New stores:

  • Customers have commented on the department store look and feel of the larger stores

Home-made:

  • Our luxurious rose cushions are designed and made right here in the UK

Chinaware:

Every one of our painted ceramic dinnerware pieces is hand-dipped with two colour glazes using traditional, artisan methods so every piece is unique.

The new collections sit alongside fantastic brands at Tesco:

  • Tesco stationery offers brands like Emma Bridgewater Sanderson, Orla Kiely
  • Cook and Dine brands include Jamie Oliver, Denby, Nigella, Gordon Ramsay and many more

Head of Design, Steven Rowe, has worked in the home design market for over 20 years, starting his retail career at Laura Ashley. Since then, he has worked with a number of high street names including Marks & Spencer, BHS and Shop Direct.

Commercial Director, UK General Merchandise, Bernadette Lusher has been tasked with re-energising the home and lifestyle products and trends for the home category and, at the same time, roll out these trends across other departments, giving the customer a new shopping experience and making Tesco a truly design led retailer. Prior to her career at Tesco, Bernadette held several commercial director roles with Marks & Spencer. She is credited with the growth of Tesco’s F+F clothing range.

Shop the range at www.tesco.com/direct

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Sherbet Crush

Sherbet Crush

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Walmart and key suppliers commit to accelerate innovation in sustainable agriculture and recycling

Leading CEOs pledge to increase sustainable food production, launch recycling fund

BENTONVILLE, Ark., 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walmart today joined forces with CEOs from more than a dozen global companies to sign new commitments that accelerate innovation in sustainable agriculture and recycling. The pledges kicked off Walmart’s inaugural Sustainable Product Expo, a three-day collaboration to expand the availability of products that sustain people and the environment. Together, the participating suppliers represent more than $100 billion in sales at Walmart.

Eight of the largest food companies announced pledges to help ensure that tomorrow’s food supply is affordable and sustainable for the nine billion people projected to inhabit the planet by 2050. The commitments aim to drive more collaboration and efficiency across the current food system. In total, this work is expected to bring eight million acres of farmland into sustainable agriculture programs and eliminate six million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

Additionally, companies joined with Walmart and the Walmart Foundation in announcing plans to launch a groundbreaking recycling initiative called the Closed Loop Fund, with the goal of making recycling available to all Americans. The Fund aims to invest $100 million in recycling infrastructure projects and spur private and public funding for transforming the recycling system in the United States.

“Walmart and our suppliers recognize that collaboration is the key to bringing sustainable solutions to all of our customers,” said Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Stores, Inc. “A great deal of innovative work is happening every day, but there are still too many gaps and missed opportunities. Today’s commitments are about creating real systems change from one end of the supply chain to the other — meaning how products are grown and made, how they’re transported and sold, and how we touch the lives of people along the way.”

Leaders joining McMillon and Walmart executives in Bentonville, included:

  • John Bryant, CEO and president, Kellogg Company;
  • Rob Gehring, global account leader, The Coca-Cola Company;
  • Hugh Grant, chairman and CEO, Monsanto;
  • Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense Fund;
  • Kees Kruythoff, president, North America for Unilever;
  • A.G. Lafley, chairman of the board, president, and CEO, Procter & Gamble;
  • Roberto Marques, company group chairman, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Family of Companies, North America;
  • Denise Morrison, president and CEO, Campbell Soup Company;
  • Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO, PepsiCo;
  • Monique Oxender, senior director, sustainability, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.;
  • Greg Page, executive chairman of the board, Cargill;
  • Ken Powell, chairman and CEO, General Mills;
  • Carter Roberts, president and CEO, World Wildlife Fund;
  • Peter Seligmann, chairman, CEO and co-founder, Conservation International;
  • Rick Smith, president and CEO, Dairy Farmers of America;
  • John Weinberg, vice chairman and co-head of the Investment Banking Division, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Accelerating Results

The Expo highlighted several initiatives to further expand access to sustainable products and create more transparency in the supply chain:

  • Together with Procter & Gamble, Walmart announced a commitment to a 25 percent reduction in water per dose for all liquid laundry detergent.
  • In the area of fertilizer management, Walmart last year set a goal of optimizing 14 million acres of farmland with the potential to reduce seven million metric tons of GHGs. Combined with progress already made, the new pledges announced today will help advance that goal by optimizing an estimated 10 million acres and eliminating 8.5 million metric tons of GHGs.
  • Working with Cargill, Walmart is developing a small-scale pilot focused on improved beef supply chain visibility, including increased traceability elements resulting in more visibility from farm to fork. This is part of Walmart’s goal to source 15 percent of its beef supply with environmental criteria by 2023.
  • In collaboration with Conservation International and suppliers, Walmart has converted 27 percent of the palm oil used in its private-brand products from conventional to sustainable palm oil.

The Expo also included updates from EPA experts on sustainable chemistry and presentations by McKinsey and EDF on new tools suppliers can use to scale factory energy efficiency.
Sustainability for All

Walmart also previewed plans to create a sustainability store on walmart.com. The shopping portal, expected to launch by the end of 2014, will allow customers to easily identify brands that are leading sustainability within a category via a special icon.

Walmart shoppers expect everyday low prices, but sustainability concerns are also important, according to a recent survey by Walmart’s Global Customer Insights and Analytics group. The survey found that 96 percent of Walmart shoppers indicated they have purchased sustainable products in the past year.

“No one should have to choose between products that are sustainable and products they can afford,” said Manuel Gomez, vice president of sustainability for Walmart. “We want to make sustainability easy by taking the guesswork out of values-based shopping. Accessibility and transparency really put the customer in the driver’s seat.”

This new online tool for customers and other initiatives to drive sustainability across the supply chain are based on metrics from the Sustainability Index. Since 2009, Walmart and many suppliers, stakeholders and competitors have worked with The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) to develop measurement and reporting systems for product sustainability, including the Index. The tools from TSC offer Walmart a common way to evaluate supplier performance and drive innovation. More than 700 product categories are now covered by the Index.

For more information on the Sustainable Product Expo, and to view the webcast replay of event highlights, please visit: http://news.walmart.com/events/sustainability-product-expo-2014.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 11,302 stores under 71 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2014 sales of over $473 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visitinghttp://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

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Walmart brings first-of-its-kind auto insurance comparison service to its customers in partnership with AutoInsurance.com

Site brings quick and easy access to the auto insurance shopping experience by allowing customers to compare and buy real policies all in one place

BENTONVILLE, Ark., 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Attention drivers! Online comparison shopping for auto insurance just got much easier. To help answer the question, “How do I know I’m getting a great deal on auto insurance?” Walmart is working with AutoInsurance.com to bring customers a first-of-its-kind auto insurance comparison service that helps drivers quickly buy and save significantly on policies.

AutoInsurance.com provides customers with multiple quotes from many of the leading national insurance carriers, including Progressive, Esurance, Safeco, The General and others within minutes. The service is available immediately in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas, with plans to be offered nationwide in the coming months.

The launch of this service stems from a successful pilot that took place in Pennsylvania last year, in which customers who purchased policies from AutoInsurance.com and reported their savings reduced their annual insurance costs by $1,168 on average.

“Our business is driven by a commitment to taking products and services that are complex and pricey and making them easy and affordable,” said Daniel Eckert, senior vice president of services for Walmart U.S. “Our customers too often have to settle for auto insurance policies that aren’t the best fit and cost more than they want to spend. With AutoInsurance.com, we’re helping our customers save money on one of their largest household expenses in a new, quick and easy way.”

“Today, nearly 90 percent of people comparison shop online for products and services like airline tickets, but our survey data shows that only one in five comparison shop for auto insurance,” said Joshua Kazam, founder of AutoInsurance.com. “We want to make comparison shopping for auto insurance much simpler and faster for everyone who wants to save money on their premiums. We believe strongly in the power of comparing. It’s how you know you got a great deal on auto insurance.”

One-Stop Shopping for Auto Insurance

Unlike a lead generator, AutoInsurance.com brings quick and easy access to the auto insurance shopping experience by allowing customers to compare and buy real policies all in one place. Here’s how it works:

  • When customers log on to the website, all they have to do is provide their name, address, date of birth and contact information.
  • They can then opt-in to have the site retrieve their current auto insurance policy. This allows AutoInsurance.com to automatically fill in most of the necessary coverage information and provide a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
  • In just minutes, the customer is provided multiple quotes from leading carriers. They can customize their coverage, including deductibles, and see those choices immediately reflected in the quotes.
  • They can choose to either purchase the policy online immediately, speak with a licensed agent at 800-700-7500, or save their information and make the purchase later. There is absolutely no cost or commitment to use the service.
  • Customers will only be contacted in the future by AutoInsurance.com or the carrier of the policy they purchase.

“Providing our customers with access to a broad assortment – from groceries to tires – at low prices and in one location is what we’re known for. We’re bringing the same one-stop shopping mentality to the insurance industry with AutoInsurance.com,” added Eckert.

How it Started

AutoInsurance.com, which is operated by a licensed property and casualty insurance agency, was created after Walmart had the idea that there needed to be a better way for customers to compare, buy and save on auto insurance. As the exclusive retailer and marketing partner of AutoInsurance.com, Walmart customers will be able to access the service directly from its website at www.walmart.com/autoinsurance.

Existing Barriers and Savings Opportunities for Younger Consumers

According to a national survey commissioned for AutoInsurance.com, which polled over 5,000 drivers, nearly half of respondents felt that they overpay for insurance – including health and auto – more than any other recurring monthly expense.

The same survey also uncovered that auto insurance premiums take a particularly big toll on the finances of millennials who use the internet effortlessly and account for a large portion of online shoppers.

  • One in five millennials – compared to only one in eight baby boomers – spends 10 percent or more of their monthly income on auto insurance.
  • Millennials especially face hurdles to shopping for a new policy. The survey found that 42 percent of millennials say they lack confidence in making their auto insurance purchasing decision compared to 81 percent of baby boomers who do feel confident.

And when it comes to the time it takes to shop around, more than half of respondents don’t feel the savings would justify the effort.

“Every consumer deserves the opportunity to be able to save money on their auto insurance,” said Kazam. “What we’re doing is bringing transparency and simplicity to the shopping process and experience.”

For more information about AutoInsurance.com, please visit http://blog.walmart.com, http://news.walmart.com/autoinsurance and http://www.autoinsurance.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

  • The $1,168 savings is an average based on customers in place in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who purchased policies from AutoInsurance.com and reported their savings during the time period from April 2013 to March 2014.
  • The survey was conducted by a national research firm for AutoInsurance.com in February 2014. The sample consisted of 5,228 male and female consumers over the age of 18 who own or lease a vehicle.

About Walmart 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 10,955 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

About AutoInsurance.com

AutoInsurance.com is a first-of-its-kind service that helps customers compare, buy and save on auto insurance policies from multiple national insurance carriers online or by phone. Tranzutary Insurance Solutions LLC, which does business as AutoInsurance.com currently in 40 states, is a licensed property and casualty insurance agency. The company is based in Fort Lee, New Jersey with licensed agents in all 50 states operating out of a call center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Sainsbury’s announced multiple management team changes

LONDON, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s today announces a number of internal moves and promotions to its management team, taking effect from 11 May.

  • Roger Burnley, currently MD of General Merchandise, Clothing and Logistics, becomesRetail and Operations Director leading a newly combined team of Supermarkets, Convenience and Logistics
  • Helen Buck, currently Retail Director, becomes Business Development Directorresponsible for developing the business beyond the core. As well as Mobile by Sainsbury’sand Sainsbury’s Energy, this includes Sainsbury’s Online which will be led by Robbie Feather, currently Business Unit Director for General Merchandise & Entertainment, who becomes Director of Online, reporting to Helen
  • Paul Mills-Hicks, currently Business Unit Director for Grocery, is promoted to the Operating Board as Food Commercial Director with Supply Chain, Own Brand, Space & Formats and the Food categories reporting to him
  • James Brown, currently Business Unit Director for Clothing, becomes Director of Non Food Trading, reporting directly to Mike Coupe
  • Peter Griffiths, CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank, joins the Operating Board, reporting to John Rogers, CFO, following Sainsbury’s acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent shareholding in the Bank from Lloyds Banking Group earlier this year
  • Dean Clegg, currently Director of Store Development, becomes Director of Property, reporting to John Rogers

The rest of the Operating Board remains unchanged as follows

  • Tim Fallowfield, Company Secretary & Corporate Services Director
  • John Rogers, Chief Financial Officer
  • Angie Risley, HR Director
  • Jon Rudoe, Digital and Technology Director
  • Sarah Warby, Marketing Director

Justin King, CEO, said: “Mike Coupe and I are working closely to ensure a strong transition as we move towards my departure on 9 July. A key part of our success over the last ten years has been the strength of our leadership team at all levels of our business, and our focus on developing talent from within, ensuring we have a great blend of innovative thinking and experience. The changes we’re announcing today will strengthen an already strong leadership team, and allow us to achieve even greater success in the future.”

Notes to editors

Sainsbury’s plc Board

  • David Tyler, Chairman
  • Justin King, CEO (until 9 July)
  • Mike Coupe, CEO Designate (from 9 July)
  • John Rogers, Chief Financial Officer
  • Matt Brittin, Non-Executive Director
  • Mary Harris, Non-Executive Director
  • Gary Hughes, Non-Executive Director
  • John McAdam, Non-Executive Director
  • Jean Tomlin, Non-Executive Director
  • Susan Rice, Non-Executive Director

Sainsbury’s Operating Board (from 11 May)

  • Justin King, CEO (until 9 July)
  • Mike Coupe, CEO Designate (from 9 July)
  • John Rogers, Chief Financial Officer
  • Helen Buck, Business Development Director
  • Roger Burnley, Retail & Operations Director
  • Tim Fallowfield, Company Secretary & Corporate Services Director
  • Peter Griffiths, CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank
  • Paul Mills-Hicks, Food Commercial Director
  • Angie Risley, HR Director
  • Jon Rudoe, Digital and Technology Director
  • Sarah Warby, Marketing Director

Biographies

  • Roger Burnley, Retail & Operations Director: Roger joined Sainsbury’s Operating Board in March 2006 as Supply Chain Director before becoming Retail and Logistics Director (2008-12). He became Managing Director of GM, Clothing and Logistics in March 2012. Roger was previously the Supply Chain Director at Matalan. He spent his early career in retail management and buying at B&Q before joining ASDA/WalMart, where he held a number of positions before becoming their Supply Chain Director in 2001. Roger is currently Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) and in September 2012 he joined the board of Transport for London, for which he is also a member of the Projects and Planning Panel
  • Helen Buck, Business Development Director: Helen joined Sainsbury’s in 2005 running Brand Communications before becoming Business Unit Director of Grocery in 2009. She was appointed to the Operating Board on 19 July 2010 as Convenience Director and became Retail Director in March 2012. Before joining Sainsbury’s, Helen held a number of senior positions at Marks & Spencer, Woolworths and Safeway and was a senior manager at McKinsey & Company. Since December 2011 Helen has been a Non Executive Director of LSL Property Services PLC
  • Peter Griffiths, CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank: Peter was appointed CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank in November 2012. Prior to this he was Group Chief Executive of Principality, the largest building society in Wales, growing it from the 13th largest building society in the UK to the 7th, during his decade in charge. He previously worked for NatWest (1977-2000), and was Chief Operating Officer at Morgan Chambers Plc. He is former Chairman of the CBI Wales and the Building Societies Association, and is a Fellow of UWIC and The Chartered Institute of Management
  • Paul Mills-Hicks, Food Commercial Director: Paul has spent over 10 years at Sainsbury’s, working for Justin King in his first two years as Chief Executive during the formation of the ‘Making Sainsbury’s Great Again’ strategy. Since then, Paul has held a variety of roles in commercial, strategy and finance, most recently as Business Unit Director for Grocery. Prior to Sainsbury’s, Paul’s was European Controller at Marks & Spencer and a Director at UBS Warburg. Paul is a qualified electronic engineer and a Chartered Accountant
  • James Brown, Director of Non Food Trading: James joined Sainsbury’s in 2011 as Business Unit Director for Clothing. He began his retail career with Marks & Spencer, where he was Senior Merchandise Manager for womenswear and for Matalan, as Womenswear Merchandise Controller. He joined Shop Direct Group in 2006 as Merchandise Director progressing to become Trading Director in 2011
  • Dean Clegg, Director of Property: Dean joined Sainsbury’s in 2005 as Managing Director for the South Zone and was also Director for both North and West Zones prior to becoming our Director of Store Development.  He began his career at BHS, and also spent eight years at ASDA as well as two years at Woolworths
  • Robbie Feather, Director of Online: Robbie joined Sainsbury’s in 2011 as Business Unit Director for General Merchandise & Entertainment. He previously worked for John Lewis where he was Buying Director for Electricals & Home Technology and for Asda. Robbie also co-founded his own business, Feather & Black, a multichannel lifestyle furniture retailer with a strong online presence and a chain of 30 shops

About Sainsbury’s

  • Over 1,200 stores, 23 depots and 157,000 colleagues
  • Market share of 16.8 % (Kantar 52 week data to 2 March 2014)
  • c24 million customer transactions per week in 2014
  • 596 supermarkets; Supermarket of the Year 2013 (6th time in eight years – Retail Industry Awards)
  • 618 convenience stores; Convenience Chain of the Year (4th consecutive year – Retail Industry Awards)
  • £1bn online grocery business; over 190,000 orders each week; Online Retailer of the Year 2013 (2nd consecutive year – Grocer Gold Awards)
  • Own brand penetration 51% (vs 47% market norm); leading positions on nutritional labelling, British sourcing, Fairtrade, RSPCA Freedom Foods and MSC
  • £1bn annual turnover in general merchandise; 6th biggest clothing retailer in the UK by volume; full offer in over 400 stores; 36% of our customers buy our non-food ranges
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Sainsbury’s the UK’s first retailer to launch Marine Stewardship Council certified sustainable tuna sandwich

LONDON, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s is the UK’s first retailer to launch a MSC certified sustainable tuna sandwich. With a range of MSC certified pole & line caught sandwiches and salads launching this month, it follows the retailer’s introduction of MSC certified canned skipjack tuna sourced from the Maldives in 2013. The range, including Tuna Mayonnaise Sandwich launched across stores on Monday 28th April priced from £1.20.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish is sourced from the Maldives using a low-impact pole and line technique where each wild fish is caught individually to reduce by catch. Sainsbury’s led the way in 2011 with all own-brand canned tuna including that used as an ingredient being fished using pole and line method. It sits alongside the retailer’s achievement at top spot of Greenpeace’s 2014 tuna league table which looks at the sustainability standard of tinned tuna sold in supermarkets.

The range includes:

  • by Sainsbury’s Tuna and sweetcorn sandwich
  • by Sainsbury’s Tuna mayonnaise sandwich
  • by Sainsbury’s Tuna and cucumber sub roll
  • by Sainsbury’s Tuna and sweetcorn pasta salad

Ally Dingwall, Sainsbury’s Aquaculture & Fisheries expert said: “We’re always looking for ways to help our customers make sustainable choices. We’re proud that this launch is another example of offering sustainable values along with everyday value.”

Toby Middleton, MSC Senior Country Manager said: “This is a really important move by Sainsbury’s. The UK’s first MSC certified tuna sandwich is a milestone for sustainable seafood. Tuna is a poster child for sustainable seafood and Maldivian pole and line-caught skipjack tuna was MSC certified in 2012. By choosing tuna from the Maldives tuna fishery, Sainsbury’s is supporting artisanal fishermen who have made an international difference to the way the Indian Ocean fishery is managed.”

The move comes as part of Sainsbury’s 20×20 Sustainability Plan that all the fish we sell will be independently certified as sustainable by 2020.

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Sainsbury’s the UK’s first retailer to launch Marine Stewardship Council certified sustainable tuna sandwich

Sainsbury’s the UK’s first retailer to launch Marine Stewardship Council certified sustainable tuna sandwich

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H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB approved dividend of SEK 9.50 per share on its AGM on 29 April

Stockholm, Sweden, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — On Tuesday 29 April H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB held its Annual General Meeting under the chairmanship of lawyer Sven Unger. The AGM approved the dividend of SEK 9.50 per share in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal. The record day is 5 May 2014. The dividend is expected to be paid out by Euroclear Sweden AB on 8 May 2014.

The Annual General Meeting adopted the income statement and balance sheet for the parent company and the Group. The AGM discharged the members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer from liability for the 2012/2013 financial year.

The regular Board members Anders Dahlvig, Lottie Knutson, Sussi Kvart, Stefan Persson, Melker Schörling and Christian Sievert were re-elected by the AGM, which also elected the proposed new members Lena Patriksson Keller and Niklas Zennström to the Board.

Bo Lundquist had declined re-election and Mia Brunell-Livfors left the Board of H&M at her own request as of the end of 2013. As in 2013, the Board of Directors comprises eight members elected by the AGM. Stefan Persson was re-elected as Chairman of the Board.

The regular members appointed previously by the trade unions are Margareta Welinder and Ingrid Godin, with Tina Jäderberg and Rita Hansson as deputy members.

The AGM approved the proposal from the Election Committee that the total Board fees be increased by SEK 500,000 to SEK 5,525,000. The Board fees are broken down as follows: Chairman of the Board SEK 1,500,000; members elected by the AGM SEK 525,000; members of the Auditing Committee an extra SEK 100,000; and the chairman of the Auditing Committee an extra SEK 150,000.

The AGM approved the Election Committee’s proposed principles for the Election Committee and elected the members of the Election Committee for the period up to the appointment of a new Election Committee. The members of the Election Committee are Stefan Persson, Lottie Tham, Liselott Ledin (Alecta), Jan Andersson (Swedbank Robur fonder) and Anders Oscarsson (AMF and AMF Fonder).

The AGM approved the resolution proposed by the Board concerning guidelines for remuneration to senior executives.

Contacts:
Nils Vinge, Head of Investor Relations +46 (0)8-796 52 50, +46 70 796 52 50
Kristina Stenvinkel, Head of Communications +46 (0)8-796 39 08, +46 70 796 54 40

The information in this press release is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It was released for publication at 17:30 (CET) on
29 April 2014.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. The company’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the Group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday and & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has more than 3,200 stores in 54 markets. In 2013, sales including VAT were approximately SEK 150 billion. The number of employees amounts to more than 116,000. For further information, visit hm.com.

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Home Retail Group announces its results for the 52 weeks to 1 March 2014

Milton Keynes, UK, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer, today announces its results for the 52 weeks to 1 March 2014.

OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

  • Good performances at both Argos and Homebase, with both businesses delivering positive like-for-like sales growth throughout the year
  • Argos Transformation plan progress:
    • Increased internet penetration to 44% of Argos’ total sales, including mobile commerce which grew 89% to account for 18% of total sales
    • Launched improved smartphone and tablet apps
    • Achieved 11.6 million customer registrations
    • Trialled ‘hub & spoke’ distribution model in 49 stores
    • Added aspirational new brands to Argos range
    • Trialled six digital concept stores
  • Homebase Renewal plan progress:
    • Completed another 12 store refits
    • Launched a next-day delivery proposition
    • Grew multi-channel sales by 53%
    • Reduced the store estate in line with plans

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sales up 3% at £5,663m
  • Cash gross margin up 2% to £2,034m
  • Operating and distribution costs up £13m to £1,921m as a result of ongoing investment in strategic initiatives across both Argos and Homebase
  • Benchmark operating profit1 up 21% to £113.0m
  • Benchmark profit before tax2 up 27% to £115.4m
  • Basic benchmark earnings per share3 up 35% to 10.4p
  • Reported profit before tax of £71.2m; reported basic earnings per share of 6.8p
  • Year-end cash balance of £331m
  • Full-year dividend up 10% at 3.3p (FY13: 3.0p); final dividend of 2.3p recommended

John Coombe, Chairman of Home Retail Group, commented:

“The Group has delivered a good financial performance in the year and it has maintained its strong financial position with a year-end cash balance of £331m. The Board remains mindful of both the investment needs of the Group and the importance of the dividend to our shareholders and, after careful consideration, it is recommending a final dividend of 2.3 pence and thus a full-year dividend of 3.3 pence. This represents a 10% increase against the previous year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Terry Duddy who, over the last 15 years, the last seven as Chief Executive of Home Retail Group, has contributed so much to the Group. We wish Terry every success for the future. I would also like to welcome John Walden, who has been running Argos for the last two years, to the Board as our new Chief Executive.”

John Walden, Chief Executive of Home Retail Group, added:

“The Group has delivered a good performance in what remained a challenging market. Both retail businesses recorded positive like-for-like sales for all four reporting periods, resulting in 27% growth in Group benchmark profit before tax. We also made good progress with our strategic plans in both businesses, which will become increasingly important in a competitive retail environment where shopping behaviours are changing rapidly.”

 

1 Benchmark operating profit is defined as operating profit before amortisation of acquisition intangibles, post-employment benefit scheme administration costs, store impairment and onerous lease charges or releases and costs or income associated with store closures and exceptional items.
2 Benchmark profit before tax (benchmark PBT) is defined as profit before amortisation of acquisition intangibles, post-employment benefit scheme administration costs, store impairment and onerous lease charges or releases and costs or income associated with store closures, exceptional items, financing fair value remeasurements, financing impact on post-employment benefit obligations, the discount unwind on non-benchmark items and taxation.
3 Basic benchmark earnings per share (benchmark EPS) is defined as benchmark PBT less taxation attributable to benchmark PBT, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue (excluding shares held in Home Retail Group’s share trusts net of vested but unexercised share awards).

To view the announcement in PDF, click here.

To watch the webcast, click here.

To watch a video of Chief Executive, John Walden, discussing these results, click here.

Enquiries

Analysts and investors (Home Retail Group)
Richard Ashton Finance Director 01908 600 291
Mark Willis Director of Investor Relations

Media (RLM Finsbury)
Rollo Head 020 7251 3801

There will be a presentation today at 9.30am to analysts and investors at the King Edward Hall, Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London EC1A 1HQ. The presentation can be viewed live on the Home Retail Group website www.homeretailgroup.com. The supporting slides and an indexed replay will also be available on the website later in the day.

An Interim Management Statement, covering the 13 weeks from 2 March 2014 to 31 May 2014, will be published on 12 June 2014.

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward looking statements.

 

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Petorama announces opening of PANGEA Nature Center inside their store

PETORAMA a Fish & Reptile Specialty store in business since 2004 announces the opening of a Nature Center within the store. 

Mansfield, TX, 2014-4-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — PETORAMA, a fish & reptile specialty store opened a nature center within the store named PANGEA. The 2,500 square feet nature center within the 4,400 square feet store, displays many species of Marine & Freshwater fish as well as lizards, snakes, spiders, turtles, frogs and many other critters. The main display is a 1,100 gallon size stingray / amazon aquarium with a sitting bar.

As per Lambert de Haan, owner of DAS Aquariums and manufacturer of the exhibits on display in the store: “This is a great concept for pet stores world-wide”. “By providing a small nature center within the store, those ‘just visiting the pets’ will have an area in the store dedicated to just that”.

The PANGEA Nature Center is open during regular business hours. Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 7PM and Sundays from 12PM to 6PM. Entrance into the retail part of the store is free, a small fee is charged to enter the Nature Center.

Petorama has been in business in Mansfield TX since 2004 and has transformed from a former full line pet store into a fish & reptile specialty store. All enclosures featured in the store are by DAS Aquariums, a Pet Enclosure & Specialty Aquarium company out of Waxahachie, TX. (www.DASAquariums.com)

Contact Details: Petorama Mansfield
featuring their PANGEA Nature Center
817 453 2043 PH
214 208 6365 Text
www.PangeaWebStore.com

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dmc digital media center redesigned EDEKA Minden-Hanover online shopping platform based on Intershop 7

Forward-looking shop design thanks to dmc and Intershop

Stuttgart, Jena, Germany, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — EDEKA Minden-Hanover has redesigned its online shopping platform. Based on Intershop 7, the new layout was successfully realized on schedule thanks to e-business professionals dmc digital media center. Following the auspicious pilot phase which took place in 2012, EDEKA has now gained initial experience and unveiled its new online shop on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The first orders have already been handled successfully. The e-commerce platform was developed for the largest regional company in the EDEKA Group by the Stuttgart-based internet agency dmc digital media center.

The EDEKA Group is the largest network of German retailers. EDEKA is a cooperative company whose supermarkets are managed by independent retailers. EDEKA Minden is based in the town of Minden, Germany. It employs 66,400 workers, including independent retailers, and has posted revenues of 7.3 billion euros, which means it has the highest sales of any of the seven regional EDEKA companies.

EDEKA loves food and dmc lives for e-commerce, making their cooperation a promising match.

EDEKA tested the possibilities of placing online orders for food products during an internal “research project” that lasted about two years. Developed on the basis of Intershop 7, the new online shop enables end customers to order food and other products from EDEKA and either pick up their orders from their nearest supermarket or have them delivered directly to their homes. The objective is to improve the quality of service for end customers and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty while boosting revenues.

The decision to enlist dmc as a new integration partner enabled EDEKA to create a forward-looking shop design. The automated supply of product data by EDEKA Minden and the additional integration of the IT systems of each individual market allows for an online presence that is constantly up to date.

The design and set-up of the online shop and multi-channel processes

dmc experts from various fields – consultants, designers, developers and project managers – came together to offer the complete chain of e-commerce services for EDEKA Minden. The focus was placed on three core competences:

  • Experts drew up the basic concept and designed the entire online shop in cooperation with EDEKA Minden.
  • At the same time, the project managers from dmc and EDEKA Minden developed a model of how the online shop and bricks-and-mortar stores could be connected effectively.
  • dmc also programmed the individual online shop on the basis of Intershop 7, besides implementing the screen design.

About dmc digital media center GmbH
dmc is Germany’s largest independent, owner-operated e-commerce service provider and specializes in successful online sales models. Based on their motto “Better E-Commerce”, dmc has been developing original and creative solutions since 1995 and providing an impetus for the digital economy. In 2014, the company ranks second among e-commerce service providers.

With offices in Stuttgart and Berlin, dmc digital media center GmbH has 260 employees. In 2013, the company posted fee revenues of 25.4 million euros. Its customers include Intersport, Klingel, Galeria Kaufhof, Versandhaus Walz, Kaiser+Kraft, Sunrise and Kodak, among others.

For more information on dmc digital media center GmbH, go to www.dmc.de.

About Intershop
Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services including online marketing. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 500 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Deutsche Telekom, and Mexx run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

Intershop Public Relations

Heide Rausch

Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309
E-Mail

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NRF Survey: Americans to spend an average of $162.94 on mom this year compared to survey’s $168.94 last year

WASHINGTON, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — After splurging on tablets and smartphones, beauty supplies, apparel and jewelry for mom last year, consumers this year will celebrate Mother’s Day keeping practicality in mind. According to NRF’s 2014 Mother’s Day Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, Americans will spend an average of $162.94 on mom this year, down from a survey high of $168.94 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $19.9 billion.*

“As one of the most universally celebrated holidays, retailers will take this opportunity to attract Mother’s Day shoppers with promotions on ladies apparel items, health and beauty products, jewelry and even restaurant options,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Now fully into spring, retailers are hoping consumer sentiment and spending intentions continue to grow as we round out one of the busiest retail seasons of the year and prepare for summer.”

Moms work hard and they are entitled to a show of appreciation on their special day. Most consumers will acknowledge that appreciation with a greeting card (81.3%), though it appears her loved ones will also look for special gifts. Two-thirds (66.6%) of those celebrating will buy mom her favorite flowers, spending a total of $2.3 billion, and 33.5 percent will look for spring sweaters and blouses, spending a total of $1.7 billion on apparel and accessory items. Mom’s loved ones will also buy books and CDs ($480 million), housewares or gardening tools ($812 million), personal experience gifts like a day at the spa ($1.5 billion), jewelry ($3.6 billion), and special outings like brunch or dinner ($3.8 billion).

Having spent the last few years treating mom to electronic gifts like tablets, smartphones, cameras and more, Americans this year may have less of a reason to invest in those items: 13.1 percent say they will buy mom a consumer electronic item and will spend a total of $1.7 billion, down from $2.3 billion last year.

However, if mom does have her eye on something special for herself, there are still good things to come in the form of gift cards: 43.3 percent of those shopping for a gift for mom will buy her a gift card, up from 41.5 percent last year; total spending on gift cards is expected to reach $2.1 billion, up from $2.0 billion last year.

“Americans haven’t forgotten about the state of the economy and are treating their finances and gift-giving budgets in a way that keeps practicality top of mind,” said Prosper’s Consumer Insights Director Pam Goodfellow. “But like we saw with Valentine’s Day and Easter, people this year will look for special ways to treat mom to something nice without breaking the bank, knowing it’s the thought that counts.”

Most shoppers will head to specialty stores to find gifts (33.5%), but others will shop at department stores (32.4%), discount stores (24%), and online (29%).

The survey found 18-24 year olds are the most likely to shop at department stores among all other age groups: more than half (51.6%) will visit a department store in search for their perfect gift for mom. But it’s 25-34 year olds who will spend the most on mom, spending an average of $216.53.

Nearly two-thirds (63.9%) of those surveyed say they will shop for their mother or stepmother, while 22.5 percent will shop for their wife, 9.2 percent will shop for their daughter and 6.6 percent will shop for their grandmother.

About the survey
The NRF 2014 Mother’s Day Consumer Spending Survey was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to the Mother’s Day holiday. The survey was conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The poll of 6,535 consumers was conducted from April 1-8, 2014. The consumer poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.2 percentage points.

Prosper Insights and Analytics delivers executives timely, consumer-centric insights from multiple sources. As a comprehensive resource of information, Prosper represents the voice of the consumer and provides knowledge to marketers regarding consumer views on the economy, personal finance, retail, lifestyle, media and domestic and world issues. www.ProsperDiscovery.com

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com.

* Total spending is extrapolation of US population 18+

Bethany Aronhalt or Kathy Grannis (855) NRF-PRESS
press@nrf.com

Download complete survey
View sample charts in Retail Insight Center

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Weekly retail sales rose by 1.6% for the week ending April 26, 2014 according to ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index

NEW YORK, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Consumers sprung into action and gave retailers a solid week of sales as warmer weather helped to lift seasonal demand, especially in the East and Midwest. As a result weekly retail sales rose sharply by 1.6% for the week ending April 26, 2014, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index. On a year-over-year basis sales also improved and posted its strongest gain of 3.1% since September 14, 2013 (+3.2%).

Sales posted a healthy sequential and year-over-year gain as a bout of warmer-than-normal weather helped to lift seasonal demand,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC vice president of research and chief economist. “Moreover, despite the Easter Sunday store closures, business was brisk across the board for retailers over the past week. The ICSC-Goldman Sachs consumer tracking survey suggested that business was especially robust relative to the prior year’s week for wholesale clubs, with strong performance for apparel, dollar and drug stores, as well,” Niemira added.

For April, ICSC Research forecasts that monthly comparable-store sales will increase by 3.5% to 4.0%.

Week Ending     Index 1977=100     Year/Year Change     Weekly Change
26-April-14               581.1                        3.1%                        1.6%
19-April-14               572.0                        1.9%                        0.4%
12-April-14               569.9                        2.3%                       -0.3%
05-April-14               571.5                        1.5%                        1.5%

[Editor’s notes: The complete report will be available at 7:45 a.m. at http://www.icsc.org/research/publications.  In addition, historical data from this index is available under the Research section on ICSC’s website.  To view the data, visit and click on the “Weekly Chain Sales Tracking” link and enter the following member id number (1177584) and password (press2002pass) to obtain access to report and historical data.

The Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot is produced by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs.  This index measures U.S. nominal same-store or comparable-store sales excluding restaurant and vehicle demand. The weekly index is constructed as a sales-weighted geometric average growth rate to preserve long-term consistency and is statistically benchmarked to a broad-based monthly retail industry sales aggregate that currently represents a sampling of leading retail chain stores, which also is compiled by ICSC. A representative sample of those major retailers has been used as a control group to extrapolate the weekly sales index. As such, the weekly index statistically represents industry sales and is not just a sum of sales for a handful of retailers. The standard period used for the index is Sunday through Saturday, even though some retailers use a different weekly accounting period. The weekly sales index is presented on an adjusted basis to account for normal seasonality and to counter other data anomalies. Weekly seasonal adjustment is at best difficult for chain store sales given that retailers can and often do shift promotions to counter typical shifts in the calendar. Nonetheless, the approach to weekly seasonal adjustment used follows from the Piser Method, which was popular in the early 1930s and became the standard for weekly adjustment.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a bank holding company and a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Goldman Sachs provides a wide range of services worldwide to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high net worth individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and other major financial centers around the world.

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 60,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials.  As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.icsc.org.

ICSC Contacts:
Michael Niemira
+ 1 646-728-3472
mniemira@icsc.org

Jesse Tron
+ 1 646-728-3814
jtron@icsc.org

Malachy Kavanagh
+ 1 646-728-3495
mkavanagh@icsc.org

Goldman Sachs Contact:
Leslie Shribman
+1 212-902-5400

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5th Annual East High School Iron Chef Competition to be held on May 4 at Wegmans Conference Center

When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 4th

Where: Wegmans Conference Center
400 Market Street (off Chili Avenue), Rochester, NY

ROCHESTER, NY, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Once again, the East High School Iron Chef Competition will bring together the culinary skills and hospitality management knowledge of eight high school students to compete for over $8,000 in scholarships to the school of their choice and to raise money for East High’s Culinary Program. The event will be held at Wegmans Conference Center.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door or in advance for $35 individually or $250 for a table of eight or at any Wegmans Service Desk ‘That’s T.H.E. Ticket’ Center. Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to the East High Culinary Program.

“This event has become part of the East High tradition where students now compete for the Iron Chef title,” says Program Administrator Alecia McLaughlin, “as well as scholarships, awards, and internships. We have watched this unique experience grow from the school cafeteria to the Wegmans Conference Center.”

Each of the eight East High culinary teams, made up of one student with two ‘celebrity’ sous chefs, will prepare a main-course entree in just one hour, all working from the same recipe. The ‘celebrity’ sous chefs include 98 PXYs Scott Spezzano; Peter Carpino with United Way; and Augie Melendez, President of the Hillside Work Scholarship Program.

The teams will be judged on various elements, including teamwork, personal appearance, food safety, knife skills, flavor, and presentation. The panel of expert judges includes Wegmans Executive Chef Chris Brandt, Wegmans Director of Asian Cuisine John Emerson, Wegmans Executive Chef Andy Golden, and local Rochester chefs, John Freeze and Brad Yearwood.

“It’s been an amazing experience to watch the students flourish in this incredible program and to be able to support their efforts,” says John Emerson, Wegmans’ director of Asian cuisine. “This is going to be a very exciting competition.”

In addition to the eight competing culinary students, 10 East High students from the Hospitality and Tourism and Information Technology classes will be participating in the event to gain valuable experience in their field of study. They will assist with such things as ticket sales at the door, event set-up and break-down, and audio visual needs.

“Our sincerest thanks go to the Rochester City School District staff, students, families, alumni, and the sponsors who make this event possible,” added McLaughlin.

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About the East High School Culinary Program
The Culinary Program is one of the successful East High School Programs where 100% of the graduating seniors go onto college or work. The program began in 2000 when Chef Jeff Christiano, then Executive Chef at the Woodcliff, was challenged to build a workforce of student chefs to support the industry. Chef Christiano accepted that challenge and has continued to grow the Culinary Program at East embracing partnerships with companies like Wegmans, Advantage Federal Credit Union, Sam’s Club, Foodlink, Maines, Red Apple and Latinas Unidas, to name a few.

The invaluable partnership developed with Wegmans affords East High School students the opportunity to learn culinary techniques alongside Wegmans Executive Chefs, as well as what excellence in the career looks like. Many of East High Schools’ alumni in culinary and current students gain employment at Wegmans and aspire to one day become Executive Chefs or sole proprietors. Students complete industry-based curriculum, receive work-based learning experiences, as well as internship and volunteer work expertise.

East High School is proud to be the home to this unique program where students express feeling like part of a family.

About Wegmans
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 84-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 17 consecutive years.

Contact Information:

Jo Natale, Wegmans’ director of media relations, 585-429-3627
Alecia McLaughlin, Program Administrator, East High School, 585-288-3130 x6261

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ShopRite, 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and General Mills announced the creation of limited edition commemorative Wheaties box

ShopRite of Brookdale Associate Featured on Special Edition Wheaties Box

BROOKDALE, NJ, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — ShopRite, the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, and General Mills announced the creation of a limited edition, commemorative Wheaties box in celebration of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.  This limited edition box, which will be sold exclusively in ShopRite stores, features ShopRite associate Derrick Noble, a Special Olympics New Jersey flag football player who is competing in the 2014 USA Games. Also appearing on the box is Derrick’s twin brother and flag football teammate Delon. The 2014 USA Games will be held June 14-21 in Mercer County, NJ and will feature nearly 3,500 athletes from throughout the U.S. competing in 16 different Olympic-style sports.

Both Noble brothers are no strangers to the spotlight as they both were featured during FOX Sports 1 Super Bowl preview shows in promotion of the upcoming 2014 USA Games. Derrick Noble, 21, from Bloomfield, NJ has participated in Special Olympics for the past five years.  In addition to flag football, he is a fierce competitor in basketball and softball.   He has been an intern of the Brookdale ShopRite for the past three years and works in the ShopRite from Home department.

“I am so honored and grateful to be on the box as it is such a great honor,” said Noble.  “Being on the box makes me feel famous — like my brother and I are celebrities.  Most of all, I love playing sports and want to lead my team to victory, going for the gold.”

“This is my first time participating in a competition this large with 3,500 athletes from all 50 states and I am so excited,” added Delon Noble.  “To get to be on the Wheaties box alongside all the other elite athletes that have been featured makes me feel like a champion. I am so happy Derrick and I are on the box together, representing all Special Olympics athletes.”

ShopRite, a Founding Partner of the 2014 USA Games, worked with General Mills to create this signature box to be sold exclusively in its stores. In addition to the Nobles, several other members of Team New Jersey who will be competing in the 2014 USA Games are featured on the back of the Wheaties box including Michael Reed (basketball), Laura Gironda (Golf), Hunter Norman (Baseball) and Fiona Dorn (Young Athlete attending first-ever Young Athlete Festival held at 2014 USA Games).

The 2014 Special Olympics USA Games is 47 days away from the commencement of the largest, most innovative and inspirational national event to be held in the history of Special Olympics in the United States. From June 14-21, America’s Champions will be revealed at a historic, life and perception-changing event as nearly 3,500 Special Olympics compete with the support of 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an anticipated 70,000 spectators.  Upon arrival, athletes will encounter a world-class sporting event that celebrates and showcases their talents, while empowering the nation to join in building communities of respect and acceptance. The 2014 USA Games will be held throughout Mercer County, NJ including competitions at Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey and Mercer County Park, with the Opening Ceremonies taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark.

As a Founding Partner of the 2014 USA Games, ShopRite will be providing daily lunches, snacks, and beverages for the athletes and volunteers as well as all floral arrangements for receptions and special events throughout the week. ShopRite has also utilized its promotional resources, including the wrapping of trucks, broadcast recognition, outdoor signage and in-store exposure.

About the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
The Special Olympics USA Games will be hosted by New Jersey 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 70,000 family, friends and spectators. The Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2014 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and communities. Founding Partners for the 2014 Special Olympic USA Games include 21st Century Fox, Barnabas Health, HESS, KPMG, New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, Prudential, PSE&G, ShopRite, Toys “R” Us and WWE.  Learn more about the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games at www.2014specialolympics.org and follow the Games on Facebook at Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGamesand Twitter @2014USAGames.

About ShopRite
ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative, based in Keasbey, NJ and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States.  With nearly 250 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than five million customers each week.  A long-time supporter of key community efforts, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves.  Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite has donated $29 million to 1,700 worthy charities and food banks since the program began in 1999.  As a title sponsor of the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic, ShopRite has raised more than $24 million for local schools, hospitals and community groups.  Progressive Grocer named ShopRite its 2011 Retailer of the Year and Supermarket News awarded ShopRite its 2011 Retail Excellence Award.  For more information, please visit www.ShopRite.com.

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Media Contact:

Rachel Gary, 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, 609.647.0751 / RDG@2014SpecialOlympics.org

Santina Stankevich, Wakefern Food Corp./ShopRite, 732.906.5932 / santina.stankevich@wakefern.com

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J. C. Penney Company, Inc. to release its first quarter 2014 financial results on May 15 followed by live conference call and webcast

PLANO, Texas, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) announced today that it will release its first quarter 2014 financial results on Thursday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET, followed by a live conference call and webcast conducted by Chief Executive Officer Mike Ullman and Chief Financial Officer Ed Record that will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET.

To access the conference call, please dial (866) 318-8612, or (617) 399-5131 for international callers, and reference 73921680 participant code or visit the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.jcpenney.com.

Telephone playback will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the meeting by dialing (888) 286-8010, or (617) 801-6888 for international callers and referencing 18216554 participant code.

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.jcpenney.com.

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.

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Target appoints Bob DeRodes as new technology leader to help guide the company’s information technology transformation

Company plans to enable REDcard portfolio with MasterCard chip-and-PIN technology

MINNEAPOLIS, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) announced the company has hired a new technology leader to help guide the company’s information technology transformation. Target also provided details on additional security enhancements the company has made following its 2013 data breach, and shared plans to incorporate MasterCard chip-and-PIN technology across its REDcard portfolio.

Effective May 5, Bob DeRodes will lead Target’s information technology transformation as executive vice president and chief information officer. In his role, DeRodes will assume oversight of the Target technology team and operations, with responsibility for the ongoing data security enhancement efforts as well as the development of Target’s long-term information technology and digital roadmap. The company is continuing its active search for a chief information security officer and a chief compliance officer.

“Establishing a clear path forward for Target following the data breach has been my top priority. I believe Target has a tremendous opportunity to take the lessons learned from this incident and enhance our overall approach to data security and information technology. Bob’s history of leading transformational change positions him well to lead our continued breach responses and guide our long-term digital strategy,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Target chairman, president and chief executive officer.

DeRodes comes to Target with more than 40 years of experience and is a recognized leader in information technology, data security, and business operations. He has been a senior information technology advisor for the Center for CIO Leadership, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, DeRodes has provided independent advisory services to corporations, private equity firms, and boards. DeRodes has also held top technology positions at a number of industry-leading, multinational companies including CitiBank, USAA Federal Savings Bank, First Data, Home Depot and Delta Air Lines. He also serves on the board of directors for NCR Corporation.

“I look forward to helping shape information technology and data security at Target in the days and months ahead. It is clear to me that Target is an organization that is committed to doing whatever it takes to do right by their guests,” said DeRodes.

Target’s Technology Enhancements

Since the initial confirmation of the data breach, Target has shared that there has been an active investigation. During that time, the company has taken significant actions to further strengthen security across the network, just a sampling includes:

  • Enhancing monitoring and logging
    • Includes implementation of additional rules, alerts, centralizing log feeds and enabling additional logging capabilities
  • Installation of application whitelisting point-of-sale systems
    • Includes deploying to all registers, point-of-sale servers and development of whitelisting rules
  • Implementation of enhanced segmentation
    • Includes development of point-of-sale management tools, review and streamlining of network firewall rules and development of a comprehensive firewall governance process
  • Reviewing and limiting vendor access
    • Includes decommissioning vendor access to the server impacted in the breach and disabling select vendor access points including FTP and telnet protocols
  • Enhanced security of accounts
    • Includes coordinated reset of 445,000 Target team member and contractor passwords, broadening the use of two-factor authentication, expansion of password vaults, disabled multiple vendor accounts, reduced privileges for certain accounts, and developing additional training related to password rotation

New MasterCard Initiative and Commitment to Chip-and-PIN

Today, Target also announced a significant new initiative as part of the company’s accelerated transition to chip-and-PIN-enabled REDcards. Beginning in early 2015, the entire REDcard portfolio, including all Target-branded credit and debit cards, will be enabled with MasterCard’s chip-and-PIN solution. Existing co-branded cards will be reissued as MasterCard co-branded chip-and-PIN cards. Ultimately, through this initiative, all of Target’s REDcard products will be chip-and-PIN secured.

Earlier this year, Target announced an accelerated $100 million plan to move its REDcard portfolio to chip-and-PIN-enabled technology and to install supporting software and next-generation payment devices in stores. The new payment terminals will be in all 1,797 U.S. stores by this September, six months ahead of schedule. In addition, by early next year, Target will enable all REDcards with chip-and-PIN technology and begin accepting payments from all chip-enabled cards in its stores.

“Target has long been an advocate for the widespread adoption of chip-and-PIN card technology,” said John Mulligan, executive vice president, chief financial officer for Target. “As we aggressively move forward to bring enhanced technology to Target, we believe it is critical that we provide our REDcard guests with the most secure payment product available. This new initiative satisfies that goal.”

“Target and MasterCard are taking an important step forward in providing consumers with a secure shopping experience, and the latest in payments technology,” said Chris McWilton, president, North American Markets for MasterCard. “Our focus, together with Target, is on safety and security.”

Ongoing Commitment to Information Sharing

In March, Target joined the Financial Services Information Sharing & Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), a non-profit private sector initiative developed by the financial services industry to help facilitate the detection, prevention, and response to cyber attacks and fraud activity. This step reflects the company’s continued commitment to shared responsibility between retailers and financial institutions with a focus on strengthening protections for American consumers.

The company also continues to voice support for responsible policy measures that help further enhance security for consumers, including supporting a national notification standard for all data breaches.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,924 stores – 1,797 in the United States and 127 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.

Pulse para leer la versión de este comunicado en español.

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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Bob DeRodes, EVP and CIO

Bob DeRodes, EVP and CIO

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Sobeys encourages Canadians to get cooking and join Canada’s biggest potluck party on May 16

STELLARTON, NS, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sobeys launched Canada’s Biggest Potluck Party this week, challenging Canadians to host or join a potluck leading up to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day on May 16.

“Food Revolution Day is a day of global action dedicated this year to teaching kids where their food comes from, how to cook it and how it affects their bodies,” says Jamie Oliver. “I’d love to see thousands of Canadians join together in the next couple of weeks cooking and sharing meals that they have made from scratch and demonstrating how easy it is to make better food choices for life.”

Canadians from coast to coast are invited to cook and share a meal together with family and friends. When participants share a post or photo of their potluck on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #PotluckChallenge and #FRD2014, Sobeys will donate $1 to the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Cooking Toward Independence Project, up to a maximum of $25,000.

This new initiative will improve the lives of young people leaving the child welfare system across Canada when they turn 18 by funding cooking skills workshops that teach them how to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.

“We’re so grateful to Sobeys for their support of this new program. The funds raised from Canada’s Biggest Potluck Party will help young adults learn a valuable life skill,” said Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO, Children’s Aid Foundation. “These young people are faced with the overwhelming task of establishing their independence having grown up with little or no family support and this project provides them with a step in the right direction to achieving a happy and healthy life.”

Canadians are invited to visit www.betterfoodforall.com now until May 16 to register their potluck and access a potluck planner — a tool designed to help every step of the way, from building a guest list, to organizing menus and pledging support.

“Research we conducted earlier this year revealed that only one in five Canadians are preparing at least one meal a day from scratch and we want to see that number increase and inspire more Canadians to get in the kitchen,” said Doug Brummer, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sobeys Inc. “We think a potluck party is the perfect occasion to bring people together and share a meal made with better food.”

Food Revolution Day is a campaign initiated by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of educating people about food and how to cook it. Since 2012, 74 countries have taken part and over 900 ambassadors are championing the cause worldwide.

About Sobeys Inc.
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians for 106 years. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 330 retail fuel locations. Sobeys and its franchise affiliates employ more than 124,000 people. The company’s goal is to be widely recognized as the best food retailer and workplace environment in Canada. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.

About Children’s Aid Foundation
An astonishing number of children in Canada are at risk and need our help. Many suffer in poverty, while others have been victims of abuse and neglect. A staggering 76,000 of them live in foster homes or a residential facility. The mission of the Children’s Aid Foundation is to fund programs that give them skills and hope for a promising future. Learn more at www.cafdn.org.

About Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver is a phenomenon in the world of food. Most famous for his Emmy-Award winning television series, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution on CBC, Jamie has become a campaigner for better school food and food education. The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation has created an annual global day of action – Food Revolution Day www.foodrevolutionday.com – inspiring people all over the world to stand up for real food, and Canada has been one of the most active countries for the past two years.

His television programs are broadcast on Food Network Canada and the accompanying bestselling cookbooks are published by HarperCollins Canada. Jamie lives in London and Essex with his wife, Jools, and their children, Poppy, Daisy, Petal and Buddy.

For further information, please contact:
Allison Colalillo
High Road Communications for Sobeys Inc.
Allison.Colalillo@highroad.com
416-644-1644

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Ingles Markets,Inc. to webcast and rebroadcast its second quarter earnings on May 2, 2014

ASHEVILLE, N.C., 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) will provide an online, real-time webcast and rebroadcast of its second quarter earnings conference call on May 2, 2014. Ingles plans to release earnings for its second quarter ended March 29, 2014, on May 2, 2014.

The live broadcast of Ingles Markets’ quarterly conference call will be available on-line at:  www.ingles-markets.com on May 2, 2014 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).  The online replay will follow immediately and continue for 90 days.  To hear the Company’s conference call live, dial 913-312-0953. A replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 2 until 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 9.  To listen to the playback, call 719‑457‑0820, reservation number 6912817.

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 203 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, visit Ingles’ website www.ingles-markets.com.

Contact:
Ron Freeman
Chief Financial Officer
(828) 669-2941 (Ext. 223)

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CBRE and national housing nonprofit Rebuilding Together to renovate the Sylvia Family Shelter in Chicago

More than 200 CBRE employees to participate

Chicago, IL, 2014-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE, through its corporate philanthropy program, CBRE Cares, will partner with national housing nonprofit Rebuilding Together to provide renovations to the Sylvia Family Shelter in Chicago during its annual Women’s Networking Forum.

On Monday, May 12, 2014, more than 200 CBRE Women’s Network members and local Chicago CBRE employees will work alongside the local Rebuilding Together affiliate, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, to provide much-needed upgrades to the housing shelter. The Sylvia Family Shelter, which is part of the Cornerstone Community Outreach nonprofit, serves more than 160 women with children, men with children, inter-generational families and couples with children. Since 1989, Cornerstone Community Outreach has sheltered over 25,000 individuals.

The volunteer projects at the facility will include patching and painting walls, painting uplifting murals for the children’s spaces, replacing flooring, creating a reading and play area for young children, building better storage facilities for donated items, organizing donated items, and making improvements to the playground area.

”CBRE Shelter Program projects are an important part of the programming at our annual Networking Forum,” said Lisa Konieczka, Women’s Network Chairperson and Executive Vice President in CBRE’s Chicago office. “Our members are not only excited to work alongside Rebuilding Together in making vital improvements to the Sylvia Center, but they are also eager to demonstrate CBRE’s commitment to volunteerism and community service. It’s a wonderful way to say ‘thank you’ to our event’s host city.”

“Since 2010 CBRE’s dedicated volunteers have been helping Rebuilding Together revitalize communities across the country and it’s been our honor to partner with CBRE Cares,” said Charley Shimanski, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “The repairs made at the Sylvia Family Shelter today will ensure our neighbors in need have full access to community resources and safety.”

To find out more about CBRE’s Shelter Program and partnership with Rebuilding Together, visit www.cbre.com/shelterprogram.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2013 revenue).  The Company has approximately 44,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through approximately 350 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

About Rebuilding Together:
Rebuilding Together is a Safe and Healthy Housing organization that believes Community Starts at Home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our 187 local affiliates complete more than 10,000 rebuild projects a year thanks to the efforts of 100,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trades professionals and everyday good citizens. Join us- visit www.RebuildingTogether.org.

For Further Information

Robert Mcgrath
Director, Sr
T +1 212 9848267

Victoria O’Banion
Rebuilding Together
T +1 202 603 2160