Monthly Archives: June 2014

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METRO GROUP divests Real’s Turkish operations to Hacı Duran Beğendik

  • Sale covers all twelve stores of Real in Turkey
  • Turkey remains one of the focus countries for METRO Cash & Carry andMedia-Saturn

Düsseldorf, Germany, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — METRO GROUP signed an agreement with Hacı Duran Beğendik about the divestment of Real’s Turkish operations. With this move, Real will fully focus on the successful development of its business in Germany. It was agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction still requires approval by the responsible competition authorities in Turkey and is expected to be closed in summer 2014. Turkey remains an important focus country for METRO GROUP’s other sales linesMETRO Cash & Carry and Media-Saturn.

The divestment of Real Turkey to Hacı Duran Beğendik covers all twelve hypermarkets and the headquarters. Real Turkey generated sales of €256 millionin financial year 2012/13 and employs a workforce of around 1,800 employees.

METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most important international retailing companies. During the financial year 2012/13 (pro forma), it generated sales of about €66 billion. The company operates around 2,200 stores in 31 countries and has a headcount of around 250,000 employees. The performance of METRO GROUP is based on the strength of its sales brands that operate independently in their respective market segments: METRO/MAKRO Cash & Carry – the international leader in self-service wholesale – Media Marktand Saturn – the European market leader in consumer electronics retailing – Real hypermarkets and Galeria Kaufhof department stores.

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International Brand Ambassador Michael Doulton to hold two exciting events in Myer Queensland stores in July 2014

  • Myer Toowoomba on Saturday 26th July 2014, 11.30 – 1.30pm. Bookings Essential – (07) 4690 3120
  • Myer Cairns on Wednesday 23rd July 2014, 12-2pm. Bookings Essential – (07) 4044 7738

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — For almost 200 years Royal Doulton has earned itself the reputation for excellence, innovation, creativity, quality and distinctive design. From the company’s humble beginnings in 1815, Royal Doulton has evolved into one of the world’s most famous producers of fine china and the iconic lifestyle brand it is today.

Since 1976, international brand ambassador Michael Doulton has travelled the globe promoting the much loved and admired Royal Doulton brand. In July, Michael will be back visiting Australia and New Zealand to host the 2014 Michael Doulton Tour.

The exciting 2014 tour theme is ‘Celebrating Royalty’ which focuses on the new Young Queens Collection featuring three limited edition figurines of Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. This collection is a special range which upholds a century old tradition of creating figurines inspired by landmark characters of history. Royal Doulton has held a long association with the British royal family including a heritage of royal commissions.

We invite Myer customers to attend the events, please ring to secure a place at your preferred event. Any Royal Doulton tour purchases made on the day will be personally signed by Michael Doulton!

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Queen Elizabeth II Height 22cm AU$249.00 Limited Edition of 2,000

Queen Elizabeth II Height 22cm AU$249.00 Limited Edition of 2,000

 

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Delhaize Group announced capital structure disclosure in accordance to the requirements of Belgian law

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB – NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, discloses the information required under article 15, § 1 and 18, § 1 of the Law of May 2, 2007 regarding the disclosure of major shareholdings in listed companies following a capital increase resulting from the exercise of subscription rights by employees.

Information as of June 25, 2014 :

·         Total outstanding capital: € 51 336 401.50

·         Total number of outstanding ordinary shares: 102 732 803

·         Total number of outstanding subscription rights (each right entitles the holder to subscribe to one new ordinary share): 2 778 234

Pursuant to Delhaize Group’s Articles of Association, the threshold as from which a shareholding needs to be disclosed has been set at 3%.

Notifications of important shareholdings to be made according to the Law of May 2, 2007 or Delhaize Group’s Articles of Association should be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

» Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in eight countries on three continents. At the end of the first quarter of 2014 Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 520 stores. In 2013, Delhaize Group posted €20.9 billion ($28.0 billion) in revenues and €179 million ($237 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2013, Delhaize Group employed approximately 160 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the websitehttp://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151

Media Relations:    + 32 2 412 8669

 

cautionary note regarding forward looking statements

 

Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, changes in executive management, anticipated investments in Delhaize Group’s operations in  the United States, Belgium, or other countries, timing or savings from store closures, and the anticipated benefits from any new strategies and operating profit guidance, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as “guidance,” “outlook,” “projected,” “believe,” “target,” “predict,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “may,” “goal,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, negotiations with unions; disruptions to business caused by strikes; changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in strategy, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.
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AHOLD REPURCHASED 2,520,031 AHOLD COMMON SHARES FOR € 34.41 MILLION BETWEEN JUNE 23 AND 27, 2014

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold has repurchased 2,520,031 Ahold common shares in the period from June 23, 2014 up to and including June 27, 2014.

The shares were repurchased at an average price of € 13.6546 per share for a total consideration of € 34.41 million. These repurchases were made as part of the € 500 million share buyback program announced on February 28, 2013 as increased by € 1.5 billion to a total amount of € 2 billion announced on June 4, 2013.

The total number of shares repurchased under this program to date is 118,989,051 common shares for a total consideration of € 1,544.20 million.

During the share buyback program, Ahold publishes a press release every Monday with a weekly update. Click here to view all the relevant information of these these weekly updates. Separate weekly press releases are available upon request. Please send an email to communications@ahold.com if you would like to receive one or more of these weekly releases.

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Wesfarmers completes the sale of its insurance underwriting operations in Australia and New Zealand to Insurance Australia Group

Perth, Australia, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The sale of Wesfarmers’ insurance underwriting operations in Australia and New Zealand to Insurance Australia Group, announced on 16 December 2013, has now been completed.

As previously announced, Wesfarmers expects to record a pre-tax profit on the sale of approximately $700 million to $750 million, which will be included in the financial results for the 2014 financial year. The final sale proceeds and profit impact are subject to the completion accounts.

Wesfarmers Managing Director Richard Goyder welcomed completion of the transaction which he said would deliver value to shareholders while offering the customers and employees of the businesses the opportunity to remain with an established leading insurance organisation.

“I sincerely thank the Boards, management and team members of our insurance underwriting operations for their outstanding efforts leading up to the transaction and for the professional manner in which they have managed the business during the period through to completion,” Mr Goyder said.

For further information: Media
Cathy Bolt
Media & External Affairs Manager
+61 8 9327 4423 or +61 417 813 804

Investors
Mark Scatena
General Manager, Investor Relations & Planning
+61 8 9327 4416 or +61 439 979 398

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RILA endorsed legislation introduced by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) that repeals the automatic enrollment provision of the Affordable Care Act

Senator Isakson’s Bill Helps Employers Avoid Complex Administrative Challenges

Arlington, VA, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) endorsed legislation introduced by Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) that repeals the automatic enrollment provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill, the Auto Enroll Repeal Act, S. 2546, reduces the complex administrative challenges imposed on retailers under the health law.

“RILA appreciates Senator Isakson’s leadership in repealing this provision under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) which forces employers to automatically enroll an employee into a health plan that he or she may not want or need,” said Christine Pollack, vice president of government affairs at RILA.

In a letter to Senator Isakson yesterday afternoon, RILA states that under the automatic enrollment provision, employers with workforces of 200 or more must automatically enroll employees in health coverage plans if one is not voluntarily chosen or coverage is not declined by an employee. Automatic enrollment may cause substantial confusion for employees who may already be eligible for coverage under a spouse’s plan, a parent’s plan or a government plan.

“The auto-enrollment mandate, which forces businesses to enroll employees in a health plan even if they already have coverage, is just one more example of the ‘Washington-knows-best’ mentality that has made this law such a disaster,” Senator Isakson said. “Repealing this unworkable mandate is an important step toward starting over with real health reforms that put patients first.”

Additionally, automatic enrollment would cause significant administrative burdens to businesses in the retail industry due to the high turnover rates of their workforces.

“The automatic enrollment provision is duplicative of the law’s individual and employer mandates. As retailers work to comply with the law it is important that Congress make commonsense adjustments and repeal provisions such as auto enroll which will be too administratively burdensome and complex for retailers to comply with and for the federal government to implement,” Pollack continued.

RILA also endorsed the Auto Enroll Repeal Act, H.R. 1254, introduced in the House of Representatives last year by Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08) and Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09). In February, 2012, the Labor Department acknowledged employer concerns about the complexities associated with implementing this provision (Notice 2012-17). The Labor Department has not yet issued regulations for this requirement.

RILA, the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. Our members provide millions of jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad. RILA members offer quality and affordable health care to their employees and dependents, and are leaders in benefits design by customizing plans to meet their workforces’ specific needs.

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Allie Brandenburger
Director, Communications
Phone: 703-600-2063
Email: allie.brandenburger@rila.org

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Russia’s largest food retailer “Magnit” opens the 57th “Magnit Family” store

Krasnodar, 2014-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — OJSC “Magnit”, Russia’s largest food retailer (the “Company”; MICEX and LSE: MGNT), is pleased to announce the opening of the 57th “Magnit Family” store.

Please be informed that today the Company has opened its 57th “Magnit Family” store located at 205, Tamanskaya street, Yeysk, Krasnodar region, Southern federal district. Assortment of the store consists of about 9,300 SKUs, out of which about 80% are food items. There are 13 cash desks installed in the sales area. The outlet is leased by the Company. The hypermarket is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post
Director, Investor Relations
Email:
post@magnit.ru
Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600
Mobile: +7-961-511-7678
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Dina Svishcheva
Deputy Director, Investor Relations
Email:
Chistyak@magnit.ru
Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 15101
Mobile: +7-961-511-0202
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Company description:
Magnit is Russia’s largest food retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of March 31, 2014, Magnit operated 23 distribution centers and over 8,200 stores (7,341 convenience, 215 hypermarkets, and 700 cosmetics) in more than 1,905 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

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

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Tesco partners with world’s largest social media cookery channels SORTEDfood to inspire new generation to fall in love with cooking and food

Cheshunt, England, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has partnered with SORTEDfood, one of the world’s largest social media cookery channels, to help inspire a new generation to fall in love with cooking and food.  The partnership, which is a media first, will showcase Tesco’s passion for food.

SORTEDfood has over 800,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel, with over 4million monthly views. With many video recipes the result of the SORTED community’s suggestions or requests, engagement levels are the highest of any food based YouTube channel.

Originally school mates, Ben, Barry, Jamie & Mike now dedicate all their time to running the channel where they release video recipes every few days to share with everyone from first time cooks to passionate foodies. Simple recipes are complemented with a heavy dose of entertainment, and tips or twists are often suggested by the community.

Tesco’s first content will focus on cooking with everyday essentials and products where prices are down and staying down.  This is one of the areas where customers said they wanted some inspiration, so Tesco challenged the SORTED team to develop three unique recipes using ingredients like fresh chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs and milk. The video will air for the first time on a bespoke air slot between the National and Regional news on Thursday 26 June, and will be supplemented by a full video recipe released online.

Leonie Foster, Customer Communications Director at Tesco comments, “We’re delighted to be partnering with SORTEDfood. We know our customers love tasty, simple and delicious recipes and are always looking for great value meal solutions. So whether a first timer or an experienced cook, customers will find something that they enjoy cooking. We’re inspired by the creativity of the SORTED team and hope our customers are too!”

Barry Taylor of SORTEDfood said, “Working with Tesco is a great way to amplify what we do and connect with an even wider community, hopefully encouraging them to get in the kitchen and try something new.”

The SORTED team recently joined a Tesco Farm to Fork trail, which takes primary school children to Tesco stores and suppliers’ farms and factories to learn where their food comes from. So far over 120,000 children have taken part. Watch the film here.

Notes to Editors

To watch the first advertorial, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zmbu76e1VY&feature=youtu.be

To see these videos and loads more from SORTED, visit www.tesco.com/sortedfood.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on
01992 644645

We are a team of over 500,000 people in 12 markets dedicated to providing the most compelling offer to our customers.

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The SORTEDfood team

The SORTEDfood team

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Henrietta Baring appointed Head of Argos IT Commercial and Supply Chain

Milton Keynes, UK,  2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Henrietta Baring has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Argos, IT Commercial and Supply Chain, reporting to Mike Sackman, IT Director. The role is key to bringing to life the strategic vision for Argos to be a digital retail leader, as announced to The City on 24 October 2012.

Henrietta has joined the business in this leadership role to help deliver the strategy of More Choice, Available Faster for customers by managing the integration of supply chain infrastructure and support customer facing developments, such as those in digital stores, in collaboration with appointed delivery partners.

She joins from Ardagh Group, where she led and delivered large scale, capital intensive and complex transformational programmes. Previously, she held similar roles across a variety of sectors in the UK and internationally at Diageo, Allied Domecq and Australian Post.

On her appointment, Mike Sackman, IT Director, Argos said: “I am delighted that Henrietta has joined the IT leadership team. Technology is at the heart of the Argos Transformation and as we build our capabilities to ensure we have a fully integrated supply chain. This is crucial to allow us to respond quickly and effectively to the marketplace.

“Her areas of focus will be on systems that show real time product availability and reduce lead times to customers, and systems that process millions of customer orders for local in store pickup or for home delivery.  She is a great addition to an already strong team.”

On her appointment, Henrietta Baring added: “I am delighted to be joining at this exciting time for the business and am impressed by the positivity, pace and enthusiasm to change within Argos.

“In my experience, it is crucial to have cross-business support and collaboration for major complex infrastructure projects to work and that is absolutely what we have here. With such passionate stakeholders involved I know that customers are starting to see the benefits of the plan working for them.”

 

-ENDS-

 

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

 

AboutArgos
Argosis a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 43,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be theUK’s largest high street retailer online with 738 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2014. Argosserves around 123 million customers a year through its network of 734 stores.

In the financial year to February 2014,Argossales were £4.1 billion and it employed some 29,000 people across the business.

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

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The John Lewis Partnership Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary Margaret Casely-Hayford to retire at the end of July 2014

LONDON, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The John Lewis Partnership announces that Margaret Casely-Hayford, Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary has decided to retire from the Partnership at the end of July 2014. Margaret has been appointed to the position of Chair of the Charity Action Aid UK and is also a Non-Executive Director of NHS England. She has decided that she now wishes to focus on these two significant roles.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: ‘We wish Margaret every success in the future and I thank her for her contribution to the Partnership. During her time with us, Margaret has built a professional and highly regarded legal team who have provided excellent support to the Partnership, and has established a valuable regulatory risk compliance framework during a period of rapid change and growth’.

The Partnership is in the process of recruiting a permanent successor, and has appointed Alan Buchanan as interim Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary to take effect from 1 August 2014. Alan is a qualified and experienced lawyer and Company Secretary. Most of his career has been spent with British Airways, joining them in 1990, first as their Principal Legal Adviser, Finance and then, after 10 years, becoming their Company Secretary.

Alan’s most recent role has been as Company Secretary for BUPA. He has also held several non-executive roles and is currently a Trustee of the British Airways Defined Benefit Pension Schemes.

Notes to editors
The John Lewis Partnership – The John Lewis Partnership operates 42 John Lewis shops across the UK (31 department stores, 10 John Lewis at home and a shop at Heathrow Terminal 2), johnlewis.com, 320 Waitrose shops, waitrose.com and business to business contracts in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over £10bn. It is the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 91,000 staff are Partners in the business.

For further information please contact:

John Lewis Partnership
Neil Spring, Group Senior External Communications Manager
Telephone: 020 7592 6296

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

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IKEA officially broke ground for its future St. Louis store scheduled to open Fall 2015

ST. LOUIS, MO, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — With company representatives, Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, local officials and community leaders on-hand, IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially broke ground for its future St. Louis store scheduled to open Fall 2015. Until then, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: the Chicago-area IKEA Bolingbrook and IKEA Schaumburg; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

Additionally, a Kansas City-area store is on track to open Fall 2014 in Merriam, KS. The 380,000 square-foot future IKEA St. Louis, and 1,300 parking spaces, will be built along the northern side of Interstate-64 and Vandeventer Avenue on nearly 21 acres in the City’s Cortex Innovation District. IKEA has contracted with St. Louis-based S. M. Wilson & Co. to construct the project, and store plans reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. In addition, IKEA will evaluate potential on-site power generation to complement its current U.S. goal of renewable energy presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations. Also reflecting the company’s sustainability commitment, IKEA is working with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis and other local groups to recycle and salvage as much of the existing buildings’ equipment, materials, and parts as possible.

“This location will help bring the unique IKEA family-friendly shopping experience closer to many St. Louis-area customers who currently can only shop at IKEA stores elsewhere or online,” said Rob Olson, IKEA U.S. CFO. “The store also will attract new customers from Missouri, Illinois and beyond who value good design, good function and affordable prices, but have not yet had the chance to shop at an IKEA store.”

IKEA St. Louis will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. In addition to the more than 500 jobs that are expected to be created during the construction phase, approximately 300 coworkers would join the IKEA family when the new store opens. IKEA St. Louis also will provide significant annual sales and property tax revenue for local governments and schools.

Candidates interested in working at this employer of choice should begin looking online this fall at IKEA-USA.com, where they will be able to apply for diverse positions available in home furnishings sales, interior decoration, customer service, safety and security, cashiers, maintenance, goods flow, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. Also, setting itself apart, IKEA St. Louis will offer approximately 60 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Food Market, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria. IKEA is working closely with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) so St. Louis residents should feel free to contact SLATE to be notified when jobs are posted as opportunities develop.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 350 IKEA stores in 44 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked in FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, Working Mother magazine’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and Training magazine’s annual “Top 100.” IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @DesignByIKEA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Pinterest.

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IKEA US to adopt new minimum hourly wage structure for their US retail co-workers beginning January 1, 2015

Average Minimum Hourly Wage Rises to $10.76, approximately 50% of IKEA US Retail Co-Workers to Benefit.

Conshohocken, PA, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA US announced today it will adopt a new minimum hourly wage structure for their US retail co-workers beginning January 1, 2015. The change will take the average minimum hourly wage in existing US stores (as of June 2014) to $10.76, a $1.59 or 17% increase, and $3.51 above the current federal minimum wage. The increase will impact approximately 50% of IKEA US retail co-workers. The hourly wage will vary based on the cost of living in each IKEA US location*. This is a departure from determining wages based on the local competitive situation and is centered on the needs of the co-worker.

“At IKEA, we are guided by our mission ‘to create a better everyday life for the many people,’ a vision that includes our co-workers, customers and the communities impacted by our business,” said Rob Olson, IKEA US Acting President and CFO. “The transition to the new minimum hourly wage structure is not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. We are basing our wages on our co-workers and their needs, rather than what the local employment market dictates. Our focus is to ensure that IKEA is a great place to work by providing an environment that develops our co-workers and also meets our customers’ expectations. All of this contributes to our business success.”

The wage increase is based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which takes into consideration housing, food, medical and transportation costs plus annual taxes.* The hourly wage will vary based on the cost of living in each IKEA US location. All 38 existing US retail locations, as well as IKEA’s three new locations which open before the end of 2015, will adopt the new structure. All IKEA US non-retail locations – including five distribution centers, two service centers and a manufacturing facility – have hourly wage jobs that are already paying minimum wages above the local living wage.This increase is just the latest in a series of investments that IKEA has made in its co-workers. In the past year, IKEA US has introduced the TACK! loyalty program which makes contributions to a new retirement fund, and has increased the employer-matched contributions to the co-worker’s 401(k) plan, as well as launched the new One IKEA Bonus program for all co-workers.

The new minimum hourly wage structure will be a significant investment but it will not increase IKEA prices. In fact, IKEA is committed to continuing to lower prices.

* The rate used is a single person with no children .Based on the MIT Living Wage calculator http://livingwage.mit.edu
Rate applies no matter what the hours per week a co-worker works.

Contact: Mona A. Liss, IKEA Corporate PR Director ~ Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext.5852 (until June 27 and thereafter contact Elizabeth Gray, APCO Worldwide ~egray@apcoworldwide.com, 646-556-9316.)

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

For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @DesignByIKEA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

 

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The National Retail Federation: Retailers applaud supreme court decision on NLRB appointments

Executive Power to Push Pro-Union Agenda Halted by Court

WASHINGTON, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation released the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in National Labor Relations Board v. Noel Canning, which questioned President Obama’s use of recess appointments to fill vacancies on the NLRB during a “pro forma” session of the Senate:

“The Supreme Court decision demonstrates that President Obama seriously erred in his attempt to circumvent Congress when he packed the NLRB with pro-union advocates. The court rightfully defended and protected the constitutional role of the U.S. Senate to provide advice and consent on executive appointments.

“While the decision does not affect the current composition of the NLRB since new board members have been seated with Senate consent, it does invalidate several important board decisions that will now have to be considered again by the new board.

“Most importantly, the decision is a reminder that there are appropriate limits to the unilateral exercise of executive authority. Rather than continuing the use of executive power to expand the regulatory reach of Washington, retailers and other job creators would encourage the White House to work with all stakeholders to fashion compromise solutions that address our shared economic challenges.”

As a member of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, NRF submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in the Canning case arguing that Obama’s use of recess appointments to fill vacancies on the NLRB was unconstitutional and that actions taken while questionable appointees were in office should be vacated.

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

Stephen E Schatz
202-626-8119
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

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Ahold receives preliminary approval from the Czech competition authority to acquire SPAR’s business in the country

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold today announced that it has received preliminary approval from the Czech competition authority to acquire SPAR’s business in the country.

The competition authority has stipulated that after completion of the acquisition, Ahold is required to divest a limited number of stores in the Czech Republic.

Once this decision is final, Ahold is authorized to complete the transaction. Ahold expects completion to take place in the second half of this year.

Cautionary notice

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which do not refer to historical facts but refer to expectations based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those included in such statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements as to the decision of the Czech competition authority becoming final, the timing of the completion of the transaction and the subsequent divestment of stores. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond Ahold’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as the effect of general economic or political conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates or interest rates, increases or changes in competition, Ahold’s ability to implement and complete successfully its plans and strategies, the benefits from and resources generated by Ahold’s plans and strategies being less than or different from those anticipated, changes in Ahold’s liquidity needs, the actions of competitors and third parties and other factors discussed in Ahold’s public filings and other disclosures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Ahold does not assume any obligation to update any public information or forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable laws. Outside the Netherlands, Koninklijke Ahold N.V., being its registered name, presents itself under the name of “Royal Ahold” or simply “Ahold”.

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NACS releases the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s premier benchmarking tool and comprehensive collection of data and trends – the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — NACS has released the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data, the convenience and fuel retailing industry’s premier benchmarking tool and most comprehensive collection of data and trends.

Published since 1972, the NACS State of the Industry Report provides valuable information to help industry stakeholders maximize their company’s growth and profitability. This year’s 184-page report examines economic conditions and their potential impact on the industry. A comprehensive selection of charts and tables focus on every area of the industry’s 2013 performance, including financial performance, store operations, merchandising, foodservice, motor fuels sales and quartile analysis.

According to the report, U.S. convenience stores reached record in-store sales in 2013, with sales climbing 2.4% to $204 billion. Combined with motor fuels sales of $491.5 billion, overall convenience store sales were $695.5 billion. Among the in-store categories, foodservice drove profits, accounting for 28.9% of gross profit dollars. Packaged beverages were second, accounting for 19.7% of gross profit dollars. While tobacco products constituted 36.4.0% of in-store revenue dollars, they accounted for only 18.5% of gross margin dollars.

“We are extremely grateful to those who submitted data for this year’s survey. Not only does the NACS State of the Industry Report serve as the industry’s premier benchmarking tool, the data compiled and subsequent analysis serves as a widely credible communications tool in defending our priority issues, both on Capitol Hill and with the national media,” said NACS Director of Research and Statistics Bob Swanson.

Purchasers of the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data will also receive the Fact Book as a downloadable, self-extracting file. Now in its 27th edition, the Fact Book provides a detailed statistical account of industry data over the past several years — or in some cases, decades — as well as a historical recap of the industry and key definitions and events that have shaped it. The Fact Book will be available in late July.

The NACS State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data and the Fact Book are available to NACS member companies (order number 40022067) for $249 ($749 regular price). Additional copies of the State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data with the Fact Book (order number 40022068) are available for $40. The Report/Fact Book package also is available as an electronic PDF edition (order number 40022069) to NACS members for $599 ($1,199 regular price). Orders can be placed online at nacsonline.com/shop or by calling NACS Customer Service at (800) 966-6227.

Note to editors: An industry overview excerpted from the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2013 Data is available upon request.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 151,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2013, of which $491 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

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Apple® announced its 16GB iPod touch® is now available in vibrant colors and equipped with 5 megapixel iSight® camera for just $199

iPod touch Lineup Now Starting at $199

CUPERTINO, California, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Apple® today announced its 16GB iPod touch® is now available in vibrant colors and equipped with a 5 megapixel iSight® camera for just $199. The entire iPod touch lineup features the 5 megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, brilliant 4-inch Retina® display, Apple’s A5 chip and FaceTime® camera. iPod touch features an ultra-thin and light anodized aluminum design and is available in pink, yellow, blue, silver, space gray and (PRODUCT) RED. iPod touch comes in a 16GB model for $199, 32GB for $249, and 64GB for $299.

iPod touch comes with iOS 7, offering more than 200 features including Camera app filters that let you easily add real-time photo effects. Additionally, the Photos app offers ways to automatically organize your photos based on time and location. With iCloud® Photo Sharing, it’s simple to share photos and videos with exactly the people you want to see them and your friends and family can comment and access their shared streams from any iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch, Mac® or PC at any time. This fall, iOS 8 will be supported on the entire iPod touch lineup.

With the revolutionary App Store℠ on iPod touch, users in 155 countries have access to over 1.2 million apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, including hundreds of thousands of games. More than 75 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store. Customers also have the iTunes Store® at their fingertips, giving instant access to an incredible selection of music, TV shows, movies and books to purchase and download directly to their iPod touch.

Pricing & Availability
iPod touch 16GB is available starting in the US today and worldwide in the coming days, in pink, yellow, blue, silver and space gray through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested price of $199 (US). Starting today, the 32GB and 64GB models have been repriced worldwide, at a suggested price of $249 (US) for the 32GB model and $299 (US) for the 64GB model. iPod touch requires a Wi-Fi connection or a Mac with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, Mac OS X v10.6.8 or later and iTunes® 10.7 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later and iTunes 10.7 or later. An Apple ID is required for some iPod touch features.

(PRODUCT) RED models of iPod touch are available through the Apple Online Store(www.apple.com) and Apple’s retail stores.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Press Contacts: 
Hannah Wong
Apple
hannahw@apple.com
(408) 974-7077

Christine Monaghan
Apple
cmonaghan@apple.com
(408) 974-8850

 

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPod touch, iSight, Retina, FaceTime, iCloud, iPhone, iPad, App Store, iTunes Store and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Media Helpline (408) 974-2042 media.help@apple.com

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The JCPenney at Bay Plaza Mall undergoes extensive six-month renovation to enhance shopping experience

PLANO, Texas, 2014-6-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dedicated to fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value, JCPenney is making the shopping experience in the Bronx, N.Y., more exciting than ever. The JCPenney at Bay Plaza Mall, which originally opened in 1997, is undergoing an extensive six-month renovation to create a shopping environment that mimics the look and feel of a brand new JCPenney store.

“At JCPenney, we’re not only committed to fitting the shapes, sizes, colors and wallets of our customers, we’re also focused on providing Bronx residents with the best possible shopping experience,” JCPenney Store Leader Vickey Denaro said. “Although we remain open for business during our remodel, we invite everyone to come see our updated store in mid-July as we unveil our fresh new look.”

The complete remodel of the 166,000-square-foot store features modern fixtures, re-planned aisles, and new signage and graphics, making it easy to locate the hottest trends from popular private brands such as Liz Claiborne®, Worthington®, Stafford® and St. John’s Bay®, and trusted national brands such as Levi’s®, Disney® and Nike®. Among other upgrades, the store will feature energy efficient LED lighting, modernized intimate apparel and women’s shoe departments, new carpet and tile, and improvements to fitting rooms and restrooms. Exterior upgrades include new JCPenney signage, a new parking deck and five additional entrances to the store.

The renovated store also includes a full refresh of its home department, with a renewed focus on bedding and bath, small kitchen electrics and decorative accessories. Customers will discover their favorite home brands – Calphalon®, Kitchenaid®, Keurig®, Cooks, and much more – in a bright and engaging store environment staffed with product specialists. Moreover, the fine jewelry department is being enhanced with an all-new watch experience that makes finding the perfect timepiece engaging and fun.

Hours of operation for the Bay Plaza Mall JCPenney are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. JCPenney has operated stores in New York since 1922.

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 fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,100 stores and at jcpenney.com, customers will discover a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all shapes, sizes, colors and wallets. For more information, please visit jcpenney.com.

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Jeff Miller appointed as Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

CANTON, MA, 2014-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced Jeff Miller as the company’s new Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation. In this role, Miller will head the 22-person culinary team assembled by Dunkin’ Brands to create new and unique food and beverages, leading the charge to distinguish both Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins for their wide variety of menu choices that can be enjoyed all throughout the day.

A highly-skilled chef who has spent more than 11 years with Dunkin’ Brands, Miller has been responsible for the company’s strategic menu and product development, helping to build an innovation pipeline team that develops and tests new menu items, platforms and line extensions. He has led teams that have created many of the brands’ most innovative sweet and savory food and beverages, including iced coffee inspired by Baskin-Robbins ice cream, Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich, Brownie Batter Donut, Egg White Flatbread Sandwich, Big N’ Toasted Breakfast Sandwich, Smokehouse Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, a full line of Bakery Sandwiches, and the new Grilled Chicken Flatbread Sandwich, to name a few.

In addition to his background in R&D and logistics, Miller also has experience in procurement and supply chain for both Dunkin’ Donuts and Sid Wainer & Sons, and has managed restaurants. A native of Buffalo, New York, Miller graduated summa cum laude from Johnson and Wales University with a B.S. in Culinary Arts.

According to John Costello, Dunkin’ Brands’ President, Global Marketing and Innovation, “For more than a decade, Jeff Miller has been a leader within Dunkin’ Brands’ culinary team, conceiving and creating products that are enjoyed by millions of people every day. His incredible passion and excitement for seeking new menu options, combined with his experience and understanding of the quick service restaurant industry, makes Jeff the ideal person to direct our culinary innovation as our brands continue to grow, and we serve more and more guests around the world.”

“I am thrilled and honored to lead the Dunkin’ Brands’ world-class culinary team during such an exciting time in the company’s history,” said Jeff Miller. “Now more than ever, consumers are seeking more variety from quick service restaurant brands. I’m proud that people recognize Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins for a commitment to explore new menu choices, and give our guests the chance to try new things while also being able to count on their favorite food and beverages in a fast and friendly experience. As we bring our brands to new markets within the United States and across the globe, we have a unique opportunity to introduce millions of new people to how we are raising the bar on what is possible in a quick meal or treat on-the-go.”

For more information about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com. For more information about Baskin-Robbins, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Michelle King
michelle.king@dunkinbrands.com
About Dunkin’ Brands
With more than 18,000 points of distribution in nearly 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of fiscal 2013, Dunkin’ Brands’ nearly 100 percent franchised business model included nearly 11,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and 7,300 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

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Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. announces new appointments and executive promotions within its Global Marketing, Innovation and Operations teams

CANTON, MA, 2014-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced several new appointments and executive promotions within its Global Marketing, Innovation and Operations teams. These changes, announced officially by John Costello, President, Global Marketing and Innovation, and Bill Mitchell, President, Baskin-Robbins U.S. and Canada, and Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins China, Japan and Korea, are as follows:

  • Roxanne Bensason has been promoted to Vice President, International Field Marketing, supporting Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Ms. Bensason has been with Dunkin’ Brands since 2002. Prior to her role in International Marketing, she held two other roles supporting Dunkin’ Donuts as the Senior Director of Beverages and Field Marketing Director for the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic regions. Ms. Bensason will report directly to John Costello.
  • Sara Larcombe has been promoted to Senior Director, International Field Marketing, supporting China, Japan and Korea. Since joining Dunkin’ Brands in 2001, Ms. Larcombe has held several roles within the Baskin-Robbins team, and recently served in Japan supporting Dunkin’ Brands’ Joint Venture partners. Ms. Larcombe will report directly to John Costello.
  • George McAllan has been appointed International Managing Director for Dunkin’ Donuts China. In this role, he will work to introduce new licensees into China and develop the brand in new markets. Mr. McAllan has worked for Dunkin’ Brands for the past 18 years in a variety of roles supporting both Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins’ operations. Mr. McAllan will report directly to Bill Mitchell.
  • Paul Reynish has been appointed Vice President, Operations, supporting Dunkin’ Brands’ Joint Venture partnerships in Japan and Korea. Mr. Reynish has been with Dunkin’ Brands for more than three years, serving as Chief Marketing Officer for International. Prior to joining Dunkin’ Brands, he served in a variety of international leadership positions with both Subway and Burger King. Mr. Reynish will report directly to Bill Mitchell.

“Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins both have a tremendous growth opportunity in new and existing markets worldwide. Roxanne Bensason, Sara Larcombe, George McAllan and Paul Reynish all bring unique experience and expertise to help us continue our unsurpassed commitment to operational excellence and driving franchisee profitability, which are the keys to our growth and success across the globe. I congratulate all four on their well-deserved new roles and responsibilities,” said Nigel Travis, Dunkin’ Brands Chairman and CEO.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Michelle King
michelle.king@dunkinbrands.com

About Dunkin’ Brands
With more than 18,000 points of distribution in nearly 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of fiscal 2013, Dunkin’ Brands’ nearly 100 percent franchised business model included nearly 11,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and 7,300 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

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Meijer sponsors the pharmacy technician adult career training program at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2014-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer is sponsoring the pharmacy technician adult career training program at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology in an effort to recruit well-trained graduates for placement in its pharmacies throughout West Michigan.

The investment also strengthens the retailer’s commitment to continued education and partnership with WMCAT that offers fully-funded training in growing fields to under and unemployed adults, said Karen Mankowski, vice president of pharmacy operations for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.

“Our goal is to provide the best service to our Meijer pharmacy customers, which truly starts with having the right people in those roles,” Mankowski said. “The need for pharmacy technicians is growing tremendously, and our partnership with WMCAT will enable us to bolster our pharmacy staff so they can build patient relationships to better manage their health care needs.”

Although the retailer began its sponsorship of the technician program in the 2013-14 school year, Mankowski said, the retailer has hired several WMCAT graduates over the past few years due to the quality of training they’ve received. The latest group of WMCAT students will graduate today, including Kena Lee, who participated in an externship at Meijer as part of her training.

“I thought Meijer was amazing. Every experience was a learning experience and I never felt like I was just there,” Lee said. “I like the (retail) business, because you always having something to do and I have the feeling that I’m helping someone at the same time.”

Employment of pharmacy technicians, who help licensed pharmacists formulate and dispense prescription medication, is slated to increase 20 percent by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We are so grateful to Meijer for their sponsorship of our pharmacy technician program,” WMCAT Executive Director Kim Dabbs said. “It is a testament to their commitment to our local workforce. WMCAT looks forward to working with Meijer to build a culture of opportunity for under and unemployed adults.”

Chanae Gilbert always saw herself in the health care field, but the opportunity to pursue that dream never presented itself until she heard about WMCAT from a friend. The Grand Rapids mother of two gave it a shot, and found an environment she could thrive in – something she’s done at the Standale Meijer for four years.

“I was sick and tired of waiting tables,” Gilbert said. “I wanted more. I wanted security and I love helping people. We work hand in hand with their doctors to make sure people get their medications.”

As the Meijer pharmacy business continues to grow, the retailer is always on the lookout for reliable team members to fill pharmacy technician positions. Meijer anticipates the need for the positions to continue because the population of patients is growing older and relying on more prescriptions, Mankowski said. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act may increase the number of patients seeking care. A Meijer pharmacy team member also serves on WMCAT’s advisory committee to ensure the program curriculum has a strong retail component, and to better prepare those graduates for job placement with the retailer.

About the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic change in their lives and community. WMCAT works toward this mission through two programs: Adult Career Training that empowers under and unemployed adults through holistic, intensive training in medical technology fields, comprehensive wrap around services, and career support through placement and follow up; and Teen Arts + Tech After School Program, where high school students work in teams to explore a driving question of their choice using arts and technology as a basis for inquiry, critical thinking and practical application.

About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 210 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-540-6108, christina.fecher@meijer.com

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Meijer sponsors the pharmacy technician adult career training program at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology

Meijer sponsors the pharmacy technician adult career training program at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology

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Morrisons.com now taking online food orders in North London

Bradford, England, 2014-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Morrisons is now taking online food orders in North London via Morrisons.com.

The website now features delivery slots for postcodes across the capital from Ealing to Essex. Deliveries will begin on 9th July 2014.

On the move into London, Simon Thompson, managing director for online food at Morrisons said: “We’re aware that we’re up against other more established services and the competition is fierce. However, our online distribution model is different to the other major supermarkets, and is already delivering an industry-leading service to customers.”

Morrisons online proposition combines the supermarket’s affordable fresh food – much of it made in its own manufacturing facilities – with Ocado’s leading end-to-end technology, logistics and distribution operations.

Heading into the capital, the supermarket will look to maintain its industry-leading 95 per cent success rate for delivering on-time.

Delivery slots across the area will be made available from just £1.00 and, as part of Morrisons ‘Great Service Everyday’ approach, London customers can expect one hour time slots and the opportunity to check the freshness of the products before accepting them.

Residents can visit www.morrisons.com to determine whether their home is located within the serviced area.

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SM Investments Corporation cited for major awards by Alpha Southeast Asia magazine in its 4th Annual Southeast Asia Institutional Investor Corporate Awards

Pasay City, Philippines, 2014-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — International magazine Alpha Southeast Asia has cited leading Philippine conglomerate SM Investments Corporation (SM) for major awards in its 4th Annual Southeast Asia Institutional Investor Corporate Awards.

SM’s Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Jose T. Sio was cited as the Best CFO in the Philippines while SM has topped the poll as the company with the Most Organised Investor Relations and Best Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility. SM was also cited as among the companies with the Best Senior Management IR Support and Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance.

Sio has won Best CFO in the Philippines for the fourth time in a row. He is a Director, EVP, and CFO of SM. Known for setting benchmarks in financial reporting in the Philippines, Sio is also a Director of China Banking Corporation, Belle Corporation and Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation, among other companies within the SM group.  Sio is a certified public accountant with a master’s degree in Business Administration from New York University. He was formerly a senior partner at Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co.

The poll is based on tallied votes among 477 investors, pension funds, hedge funds, equity and fixed income brokers and analysts with investment interests in the Southeast Asia region.

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For further information, please contact:
Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
Senior Vice President for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
E-mail: cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
Tel. No. 857-0117

Mr. Jose T. Sio

Mr. Jose T. Sio

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ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index: Arrival of summer gave way to a rise in weekly sales for the second consecutive week

NEW YORK, 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The arrival of summer gave way to a rise in weekly sales for the second consecutive week, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index (ICSC-GS).  Overall, according to the index, weekly chain store sales jumped by a solid 2.0% for the week ending June 21, 2014.  On a year‐over‐year basis sales also rose sharply and posted a 4.1% gain‐‐the strongest year‐over‐year pace in more than a year.  The previous high occurred for the week ending June 1, 2013, which was up 4.3% from its comparable week of the prior year.

“Business was up sharply relative to the same week of the prior year for most segments according to the ICSC‐GS consumer tracking survey.  This was especially seen in department stores, discounters, dollar stores and wholesale clubs as they all posted hefty year‐over‐year gains,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC vice president of research and chief economist. “June tends to be second highest sales volume month of the year, accounting about 10% of annual sales, so the recent strength is encouraging,” Niemira added.

Looking ahead, ICSC Research forecasts that June monthly comp‐store sales will increase by 3.5% on a year‐over‐year basis.

Week Ending    Index 1977=100    Year/Year Change    Weekly Change
21-June-14             568.2                        4.1%                       2.0%
14-June-14             557.0                        3.1%                       0.4%
07-June-14             554.6                        3.0%                      -2.8%
31-May-14              570.4                        3.1%                       2.9%

[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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Rite Aid Corporation and Heritage Provider Network to bring Rite Aid Health Alliance program to HPN’s chronic and poly-chronic patients across Southern California

Rite Aid President and COO Ken Martindale and Heritage Provider Network President and CEO Richard Merkin, M.D., To Discuss Collaboration During In-Store Event June 24 in Woodland Hills, California

CAMP HILL, Pa. and MARINA DEL REY Calif., 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD), one of the nation’s leading drug store chains, and global healthcare leader Heritage Provider Network (HPN), one of California’s largest healthcare provider networks, announced today they have entered into an agreement to bring the Rite Aid Health Alliance program to HPN’s chronic and poly-chronic patients across Southern California.

Today, Rite Aid President and Chief Operating Officer Ken Martindale along with Heritage Provider Network President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Merkin, M.D., will host a press conference at the Rite Aid pharmacy located at 21949 Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills, Calif., to discuss the details of this partnership.

“We are excited to announce Heritage Provider Network, one of the leading healthcare providers in California, as the latest Rite Aid Health Alliance partner,” said Martindale. “Known as a pioneer in population health management, Heritage Provider Network has long believed in and offered a wide array of innovative and preventative healthcare services, making them a natural partner for us as we continue to bring this one-of-a-kind healthcare program to the communities we serve.”

Through Rite Aid Health Alliance, Rite Aid and HPN will offer coordinated, comprehensive care and support to patients with chronic and poly-chronic conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes, COPD, hypertension and high cholesterol. HPN physicians and Rite Aid pharmacists will work with specially trained care coaches, located in select Rite Aid pharmacies, to achieve specific physician identified wellness goals and improve the patient’s overall health and self-management abilities.

“Improving health outcomes and reducing the cost of care for chronic and poly-chronic patients is a top priority for us at HPN,” said Merkin. “We look forward to working with Rite Aid in this collaboration to provide additional care services to our patients in communities throughout Southern California at convenient Rite Aid pharmacies.”

Heritage Provider Network affiliates participating in Rite Aid Health Alliance include Bakersfield Family Medical Center; Coastal Communities Physician Network; Desert Oasis Health Care; High Desert Medical Group; Lakeside Medical Group; Regal Medical Group; Sierra Medical Group, Affiliated Doctors of Orange County as well as Heritage California ACO.

The full range of services available to patients participating in Rite Aid Health Alliance includes medication compliance support; comprehensive medication reviews and reconciliation; nutrition and weight management information; disease education; exercise coaching; and tobacco cessation support. In order to ensure collaboration between Rite Aid and primary care physicians, physician orders will be transmitted electronically to the Care Coach and pharmacist and reports of all patient interactions within Rite Aid pharmacies will be shared with the member’s physician.

The Rite Aid Health Alliance pilot partnership with Heritage Provider Network is the largest to date since Rite Aid announced the program earlier this year. Thirty Rite Aid pharmacies and eight Heritage affiliates, as well as its ACO, across Southern California are participating. The rollout, taking place in two phases, is expected to be complete by mid-July.

Rite Aid previously announced it was piloting Rite Aid Health Alliance partnerships in Greensboro, N.C., Glendale, Calif., Buffalo, N.Y., and Hershey, Pa., in addition to the new arrangement with HPN.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2014 annual revenues of $25.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Heritage Provider Network, Inc. (HPN) is on the cutting edge of the accountable care model of healthcare delivery: coordinated, patient-doctor centric, integrated health care systems that represent the future of health care in the United States. HPN provides high quality, cost effective healthcare to over 700,000 individuals and is dedicated to quality, affordable health care, and putting patients’ wellness first.(www.heritageprovidernetwork.com)

 

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Contact:

Investors: Matt Schroeder 717-214-8867 or investor@riteaid.com

Media: Ashley Flower 717-975-5718

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The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft added another community event to tournament week: A 5K Run and Breakfast

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft added another community event as it continues to round out tournament week: A 5K Run and Breakfast.

The Meijer LPGA 5K Run & Breakfast presented by Kellogg’s will provide families with another way to get involved with the tournament Aug. 4-10. The race will start at 8 a.m. Aug. 9 at Rockford High School with a complimentary breakfast provided by Kellogg’s immediately after for runners near the school’s football field.

Kellogg’s will also give each runner two daily general admission tickets, valid any one day.

The 5K run is the second event announced by the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft. Last week, officials announced a partnership with General Mills to provide a community concert featuring Gary Allan and Big & Rich on Aug. 9 at Fifth Third Ballpark.

“We think hosting a 5K is another great way to allow families in the Grand Rapids area to get excited for event week and the fun opportunities associated with it,” said Tournament Director Lesley Baker, noting Gazelle Sports is helping organize the run. “We want to engage and highlight this community in every way possible.”

Participation in the 5K Run & Breakfast will cost $20 for adults, 18 and older, and $10 for children, 17 and under. Proceeds will support local food pantries in our communities through the Meijer Simply Give program, which replenishes the shelves of food pantries throughout the Midwest.

Parking for the 5K event will be at Rockford High School, 4100 Kroes St. NE.

To register, and for more information on the Meijer LPGA 5K Run and Breakfast presented by Kellogg’s, please visitwww.meijerlpgaclassic.com.

The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will host a full field of 144 of the world’s best female golfers playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition Aug. 7-10 at Blythefield Country Club. Please purchase tickets, which range from $15 to $50, at MeijerLPGAClassic.com.

About Meijer Simply Give
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer operates 210 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

About Blythefield Country Club
Located just north of Grand Rapids, Blythefield has been providing families the best golf and social experience in West Michigan since 1928. With the Rogue River flowing through, Blythefield boasts one of the most beautiful championship layouts in Michigan. Previously, Blythefield has hosted the 1953 Western Amateur, the 1961 Western Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the 2005 Western Junior won by Rickie Fowler. Beginning in 2014 Blythefield is honored to host the Meijer LPGA Classic. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official,www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Octagon Global Events
Octagon Global Events is a division of Octagon, the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency. Octagon Global Events focuses on premium event/property management, providing strategic corporate solutions. The division currently manages two Champions Tour events, two LPGA Tour events and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com.

Contacts: Lesley Baker, Lesley.Baker@octagon.com, 616-426-6225; Christina Fecher, Christina.Fecher@meijer.com, 616-735-7968

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The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft added another community event to tournament week A 5K Run and Breakfast

 

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CBRE and Maastricht University joint project 2014 Green Building Adoption Index finds Minneapolis is leading U.S. market for green commercial real estate

Study Points to Significant Growth Since 2005 in Green Building Spaces in the U.S.

​Los Angeles, 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Minneapolis is the U.S. city with the highest percentage of green commercial space, and green commercial real estate nationwide has increased significantly since 2005.Those are key findings of the 2014 Green Building Adoption Index, a joint project of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) and Maastricht University.

Other findings include:

  • After Minneapolis, where 77.0% of the commercial real estate space is certified as green, the cities with the highest percentage of green space are San Francisco (67.2%), Chicago (62.1%), Houston (54.8%) and Atlanta (54.1%).
  • Adoption of all-green standards in the U.S. has increased significantly since 2005. During that time, Energy Star-labeled buildings increased nearly 600%, and the proportion of buildings that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified increased from less than 0.5% in 2005 to 5.0%, a more than 1,000% increase.
  • Measured by floor area, LEED-certified space now totals 19.4% of the total building stock in the 30 office markets reviewed in the project.

“We have all seen the rapid growth in the number of green-certified buildings in the markets in which we work; however, we were quite surprised to see how large the numbers actually are. Green is absolutely the new norm,” said Dave Pogue, CBRE’s Global Director of Corporate Responsibility. “We wanted to do something in the built environment to help advance the discussion of sustainability. With the Real Green Research Challenge, we have the opportunity to affect the entire real estate industry and have a lasting effect on the way real estate is built, occupied and financed, and in doing so be a force for positive environmental change.”

The Green Building Adoption Index is the first project completed under CBRE’s Real Green Research Challenge (RGRC). Launched in September 2012, the RGRC is CBRE’s US$1 million commitment to fund leading-edge sustainability research and innovation in commercial real estate.

Led by Dr. Nils Kok of Maastricht University of the Netherlands in close collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and CBRE, the study quantifies the dynamics of the growing market for green building space in U.S. markets. The study uses Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star and USGBC LEED statistical data from 2005 through 2013 and includes more than 34,000 buildings (totaling more than 3.5 billion square feet) in the central business districts of the top 30 U.S. markets (by square footage).

“This is the first study to quantify the relevance of green building practices in the commercial real estate market,” said Dr. Nils Kok, Associate Professor in Finance and Real Estate, Maastricht University. “While we all know examples of LEED-certified buildings, the results presented here are facts based on a robust methodology, not anecdotal evidence. The evidence shows that green has become mainstream in all major U.S. cities.”

Through its RGRC, CBRE is also providing funding and organizational support to sustainability projects developed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Stanford University and the EURO Institute of Real Estate Management as well as a joint project developed by Cleveland State University and Central Michigan University.

To download the full report, please click here. For more information about the RGRC, please visit www.cbre.com/rgrc.

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 Maastricht University, the Netherlands
Maastricht University is a public university in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Founded in 1976, the university is the second youngest of the 13 Dutch Universities. The Department of Finance at Maastricht University performs research in all fields of finance, with particular interest for: Financial Economics, Econometrical Finance, Real Estate, ESG, and Marketing-Finance. The real estate group of the Finance department is the catalyst for research efforts in three mains areas: real estate investment performance, the economics of energy efficient and “green” building, and the effects of demography on real estate markets. Maastricht University has built a strong reputation in real estate research and education, both for its academic rigor and for its practical relevance. The department brings together the real estate knowledge of Maastricht University and its academic and industry partners in Europe and beyond. Please visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

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Foodstuffs: Four Square Coromandel to open in late 2014

Auckland, New Zealand, 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Coromandel township locals can look forward to a new Four Square in late 2014, as work commences at the new site on the corner of Wharf Road and Charles Street this week. 

Angela Bull, Foodstuffs (North Island) General Manager Property Development is thrilled the Coromandel community will soon have a new store to get their grocery and household items.

“Four Square has been an iconic part of the Coromandel community for almost 30 years and it’s fantastic locals will have a new replacement store with an improved fresh food and grocery offer and plenty of room, to ensure a more enjoyable shop,” says Bull. “We are delighted to be investing in Coromandel township with a great Four Square offer.”

Peter and Lesley Pritchard, owners of Four Square Coromandel are excited about the replacement store.

“The new Four Square will be a fantastic addition to the Coromandel community, with a bigger store and greater range of fresh and everyday products. It has been a long wait and we would like to thank our customers for their support and patience,” says Peter Pritchard. “I am also pleased to report that the new Four Square Coromandel store will have on-site parking which promises to make our customers’ shopping experience even easier.”

Demolition of the existing building will commence on 30 June 2014 with the new store expected to be open to customers before Christmas 2014. The current Four Square will be open and continue to provide customers with usual service until the new store is ready to open.

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Foodstuffs: Four Square Coromandel to open in late 2014

Foodstuffs: Four Square Coromandel to open in late 2014

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Harris Teeter gives back to the community with donation of $45,000 to three local food banks

Matthews, N.C., 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Harris Teeter gives back to the community with donation of $45,000 to three local food banks

Who:      Harris Teeter, Food Bank of the Albemarle, The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

What:      Harris Teeter is giving back to the community with a donation of $45,000 to three local food banks.  District Manager Shawn Helton will present $15,000 checks to each food bank to help those organizations provide hunger relief to community members-in-need.

When:     Friday, June 27, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Where:   Greenbrier Market  Harris Teeter
1216 Greenbrier Parkway
Chesapeake, Va. 23320

Why:       Harris Teeter is committed to supporting hunger-relief efforts in its marketing areas,   and the donation was made possible thanks to the Company’s northern region team   members who hosted a golf tournament to raise money for our food bank partners.

*** Live shots welcome***

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Sainsbury’s reduced sugar content in its own brand chilled juice drinks by 16.7 million teaspoons per year

LONDON, 2014-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of it’s commitment to being the best retailer for food and health, Sainsbury’s has reduced the sugar content in its own brand chilled juice drinks by 83.5 tonnes a year, which equates to over 16.7 million teaspoons or 329 million fewer calories per year.

The new healthier range of chilled juices will be available from 18 June and follows the success of the 30% reduced Cranberry Juice launched in June 2013, which uses extracts from natural stevia leaf for sweetness and which has proved very popular with customers.

The new chilled juices include Fruit Cocktail, Summerfruits and Pomegranate & Blueberry juice, perfect for this time of year, and all with 30% less sugar than their regular counterparts.

As well as adding new lines, from next month all of Sainsbury’s 1ltr and 2ltr chilled juice drinks will have reduced sugar content. This alone will lead to a reduction in sugar of an impressive 55.5 tonnes per year.

As part of its 20×20 Sustainability Plan, Sainsbury’s has pledged to continue to reduce salt, saturated fat, fat and sugar on own brand products and will continue to lead the way on clear nutritional labelling, enabling customers to make informed choices about their diet.

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Sainsbury’s reduced sugar content in its own brand chilled juice drinks by 16.7 million teaspoons per year

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Delhaize Group announce the appointment of Kevin Holt as Chief Executive Officer for Delhaize America

Kevin Holt appointed as new Chief Executive Officer for Delhaize America

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 2014-6-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Holt as Chief Executive Officer for Delhaize America. Mr. Holt, formerly President of Retail Operations at SUPERVALU, will also become a member of the Delhaize Group Executive Committee. He will start effective July 7, 2014 and lead the Group’s U.S. operations.

“I am very pleased to have Kevin join our team”, said Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group. “Kevin brings both deep industry experience as well as a comprehensive customer orientation that will help our U.S. operations to continue to implement our existing strategy and build on the strong momentum of recent quarters. I am looking forward to working with him.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead Delhaize America and work with Frans, the Delhaize America team and my colleagues in the Group Executive Committee,” said Mr. Holt. He added, “I look forward to reinforcing and executing the strategy and continuing to focus on our customers as I see tremendous opportunity in the business.”

Mr. Holt comes to Delhaize Group with more than 20 years of retail leadership experience in operations, strategy and information technology. Prior to SUPERVALU, he served for three years with Sears Holding Company and 14 years with Meijer, working in various leadership positions including Executive Vice President of Retail Operations and Senior Vice President of Information Technology/Services and Strategic Planning.

Before moving into the retail industry, Mr. Holt spent nine years at NCR delivering technology solutions to large and complex organizations. He holds a B.S. in Business Economics from Ferris State University.

»  Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in eight countries on three continents. At the end of the first quarter of 2014 Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 520 stores. In 2013, Delhaize Group posted €20.9 billion ($28.0 billion) in revenues and €179 million ($237 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2013, Delhaize Group employed approximately 160 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

» Contacts
Investor Relations: +32 2 412 21 51
Media Relations: +32 2 412 86 69
U.S. Media Relations +1 (704) 310 2221

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, changes in executive management, anticipated investments in Delhaize Group’s operations in the United States, Belgium, or other countries, timing or savings from store closures, and the anticipated benefits from any new strategies and operating profit guidance, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as “guidance,” “outlook,” “projected,” “believe,” “target,” “predict,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “may,” “goal,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, negotiations with unions; disruptions to business caused by strikes; changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in strategy, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.