Monthly Archives: December 2014

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Albert Heijn: well-known Dutch actor Harry Piekema to leave after ten years playing the key role in our TV commercials

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Well-known Dutch actor Harry Piekema, who plays the key role in our TV commercials as the Supermarket Manager Mr. Van Dalen, is leaving Albert Heijn after ten years because Harry wishes to focus on other acting and directing opportunities. Harry has meant a lot to our customers and to our company.

Our successful collaboration with Harry deserves a fitting finale. That is why Albert Heijn has today launched a final campaign that includes a farewell TV commercial, YouTube and Facebook postings, and live chat sessions with Harry and customers via Facebook.

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Rite Aid wellness+ members to earn rewards for every $50 spent in stores on participating products now through January 24

Rite Aid wellness+ Members Earn Exciting Rewards for Every $50 Spent on Participating Products

Camp Hill, Pa., 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid is ringing in the New Year by offeringwellness+ members the opportunity to receive lifestyle and entertainment rewards for every $50 spent in stores on participating products now through January 24.

To participate, members of the free wellness+ loyalty program can look for the red “Buy & Earn” symbol on store shelves. Once wellness+ members purchase $50 of qualifying products, they will receive a Unique Reward Code on the bottom of the register receipt. Customers can make multiple visits and purchases to reach the reward thresholds of $50, $100, $150, $200 and $250 receiving a new code at each threshold up to a total of 5.  The codes may be used individually or added together to redeem for bigger and better rewards.

“We wanted to offer something special to our most loyal customers – wellness+members – as we enter the New Year, as a way to thank them for their business,” said John Learish, Rite Aid senior vice president of marketing. “By participating in ‘Happy You Year,’ our customers have the opportunity to earn a reward of their choosing, and with rewards ranging from an evening out with the family to a fitness class or a day at the salon, there’s something for everyone.”

Over 16,000 products are participating in the promotion such as select:

  • Over-the-counter medications including allergy, cold and pain relief
  • Skincare, cosmetics and beauty products including nail polish and fragrances
  • Hair products including shampoo, hair dryers, accessories, shavers and trimmers
  • Household supplies including air fresheners, laundry detergent, paper towels and pet food
  • Variety of vitamins and supplements
  • Food and beverage selections of cereal, cookies and sports drinks

This year’s bigger and better rewards include items such as a free round of mini golf, exercise classes, beauty treatment, personal training session, movie tickets, hotel stays and more. For a complete list of rewards available, promotion details or to redeem codes, visit www.riteaid.com/youyear.

Reward codes must be redeemed before 12:00AM PT, February 25, 2015. After creating an account, add the Unique Reward Codes received on the receipt and redeem credit towards your selected reward. Redemptions can also be processed over the phone at 1-844-579-1644, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. EST or Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 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.

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Contact:

Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713

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Starbucks summarized the 10 ways it supported its partners, customers and communities in 2014

SEATTLE, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — “What is the role and responsibility of a public company?”

Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo, posed that question early in the year during the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In the months that followed, Schultz and Starbucks partners (employees) have answered the question by demonstrating what it means to be a company that is performance-driven through the lens of humanity. Here are 10 ways Starbucks supported its partners, customers and communities in 2014.

1. Starbucks Hometown

After a massive landslide engulfed the tiny community of Oso, Washington, rescue workers faced the daunting task of finding signs of life in a 300-acre area strewn with trees, boulders, obliterated buildings and debris as deep as a seven-story building. Rescue crews eventually recovered the bodies of 43 people.

Jen Bilow manages the Starbucks store in Arlington, 20 miles west of the disaster zone. Twice a day store partners delivered food, hot water, and 40 gallons of coffee to firefighters, police and rescue crews. “We all wanted to help and we jumped in to help because that’s the kind of people Starbucks hires,” she said. “It’s the right thing to do for our neighbors.”

As supporters of the Seattle community, Starbucks and the Seahawks teamed up again to raise money for A Better Seattle (ABS), an initiative founded by Head Coach Pete Carroll. ABS partners with YMCA’s Alive & Free street outreach program to connect high-risk youth with programs and services that support them in making choices to reach a better future.

For more than ten years, Starbucks has also supported music and arts programs for youth in Seattle through a partnership with the Seattle Theatre Group. One result of that partnership is Little Big Show, a concert series created to benefit Seattle’s arts organizations. Little Big Show’s mission is to identify non-profits that focus on youth arts education and feature them as the show’s beneficiary receiving 100% of the ticket sales revenue.  To date, Little Big Show has raised more than $130,000 for nine local initiatives.

2. Global Month of Service

Somewhere in the world, nearly every day of the year, a Starbucks partner is volunteering in his or her neighborhood. Community service is a year-round commitment for Starbucks, with a special emphasis placed on making a difference through volunteer projects in April – the company’s Global Month of Service.

During the month of April in Beijing for example, over 900 partners and community volunteers completed dozens of projects. Along with painting murals, they planted a vegetable garden for 50 elderly families and taught classes on environmental education and personal safety for more than 500 students.

In April, Starbucks partners, customers and nonprofit groups united to work on 1,691 projects in one month. Together they spent more than 232,244 hours volunteering on projects that impacted an estimated 1.4 million people.

3. Starbucks College Achievement Plan

Starbucks has a long history of wanting to do more for its partners; it was one of the first U.S. retailers to offer affordable and comprehensive health coverage to part-time employees. In the summer of 2014, it announced another major benefit – the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

An innovative collaboration with Arizona State University creates an opportunity for eligible Starbucks partners to finish a bachelor’s degree with full tuition reimbursement through ASU’s top-ranked online degree program.  Junior and senior year students get full tuition reimbursement and freshman and sophomore students get a partial tuition scholarship and access to need-based financial aid.

About 1,000 Starbucks partners started classes through ASU’s online program. In December the program had its first graduate – Kaede Clifford, an almost 13-year partner who finished her BA in Mass Communications and Media. TheStarbucks Newsroom will share Clifford’s story in January.

4. Partner Pride

For the first time, Starbucks raised the Pride Flag atop its Seattle headquarters. The 38-feet wide by 19-feet tall rainbow flag flew during the week leading up to the city’s Pride Parade. Members of Starbucks Partner Pride Network Alliance Network led the flag-raising effort. The affinity group has been around for about 15 years and in 2007 it became an official partner network. The company’s support for LGBT partners and customers goes back even further.

“Given our public stance on diversity and inclusion of all people, particularly on this issue, it makes sense to raise the flag in celebration,” said Lucy Helm, Starbucks executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. “Being open, inclusive and forward-thinking is at the core of what Starbucks is about.”

5. Solutions City

As Americans around the country grow increasingly frustrated with the partisan gridlock in Washington, a few mayors are looking to neighborhood Starbucks stores to help spark local action.

Through the Solutions City℠ initiative, mayors in five cities – Sacramento, Baltimore, Columbus, Orlando, and Phoenix – are bringing together constituents and other local leaders for town hall meetings in their neighborhood Starbucks store. They’re identifying and tackling civic challenges around three key issues: providing access to education, supporting veterans, and empowering opportunity youth (young people who aren’t in school or employed for a variety of reasons, but want to improve their futures).

Over the arc of one year, they will solve community problems identified through the community meetings. While Starbucks will serve as the arena for these community conversations, the U.S. Conference of Mayors will lend its network of dedicated mayors from around the country to help share best practices and spark greater impact.

6. Retail Excellence Training Program

For the past 10 years, Starbucks and the Schultz Family Foundation have supported a barista skills training program for opportunity youth. Nearly 500 young adults have graduated, with 70 percent securing jobs in the retail and customer service sectors.

In 2014, Starbucks, the Schultz Family Foundation and YouthBuild USA launched a national version of this effort called theRetail Excellence Training Program. This national program gives students an opportunity to learn customer service skills based on the same training Starbucks store partners receive. The instruction includes classroom learning and on-the-job experience in retail or café settings. In addition to Seattle, the Retail Excellence Training Program is available in Gulfport, Mississippi and Harlem, New York at YouthBuild sites in those communities. About 170 students graduated this year.

7. Todos Sembramos Café

Over the past several years, challenging growing conditions in Chiapas, Mexico have created a climate where coffee rust has taken hold and decimated some coffee farmers’ harvests. Coffee rust is a fungus that damages coffee plants when not properly managed through proper growing techniques and integrating coffee varietals that are more rust resistant.

Recognizing the impact that rust is having on farmers, Starbucks Mexico launched a program called Todos Sembramos Café, which means “we all grow coffee.” Through the program, 100 percent of the profits from Shade Grown Mexico Whole Bean Coffee sold in Starbucks Mexico stores from June through December will be donated to purchase rust resistant coffee plants for Chiapas coffee growers who need assistance renewing their plots.

The program is part of Starbucks ongoing, comprehensive commitment to supporting coffee farmers around the world. Over the past forty years, Starbucks has invested more than $70 million in collaborative farmer programs and activities including C.A.F.E. Practices, farmer support centers, farmer loans and forest carbon projects.

8. Partner Experience and Investments

Starbucks continuously engages in discussions with its partners to determine how to make their experience better and more valuable. In a letter to partners this fall, Starbucks chief operating officer Troy Alstead announced several improvements to the partner experience. One example is an updated dress code policy which allows visible tattoos for the first time. In January 2015, Starbucks will begin rolling out the first phase of a multi-year investment in the partner experience by making enhancements in three areas: performance and pay, recognition and benefits.

Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz held an impromptu meeting on December 10th in company’s Seattle headquarters that many partners said was “the most emotional, powerful discussion” they’ve ever been a part of. For more than an hour, Starbucks partners representing various ages, races and ethnicities passed a microphone and shared personal experiences regarding racial issues in America. “The current state of racism in our country is almost like humidity at times. You can’t see it, but you feel it,” said one partner.

Schultz intends to continue the conversations across the country through a series of partner-only forums beginning in January. The meetings will be held in Oakland, St. Louis and New York City.

9. Heroes Among Us

Starbucks iconic green aprons added three new colors this year for partners who are veterans or military spouses – red, white and blue. A small flag has been added to spark conversations between partners and customers, and to honor the partners’ service and sacrifice.

In addition, Starbucks announced plans to open 12 Military Family Stores near military bases in fiscal 2015 and Starbucks has hired 1,048 new partners as a direct result of its multi-year hiring and career development strategy. The company has committed to hiring at least 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2018. Of the new hires in 2014, the majority are beginning their Starbucks careers in stores as baristas, shift supervisors, store managers, district managers and regional directors. In addition, about 60 are working in 18 corporate departments including store development, global operations and supply chain operations. Starbucks partners who’ve joined the company since the announcement of the veterans hiring initiative represent 48 states.

Inspired by the military men, women and families he’s met in the past year, Schultz co-wrote a book in 2014 called “For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice.” In the book, Schultz and Washington Post senior correspondent Rajiv Chandrasekaran highlight the post-military careers of veterans serving their communities in extraordinary ways, and offer compelling accounts of valor displayed by service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. In a first-of-its-kind event, HBO, Chase and Starbucks also staged “The Concert for Valor” to raise awareness of issues affecting veterans.

10. Starbucks Partnership with RED

Alone and scared, Josephine couldn’t understand why her family abandoned her when she was five years old. The little girl in Rwanda also didn’t know why she was sick all the time. She eventually learned the reason for both. She had contracted a virus from her mother in utero; HIV- the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. Josephine is one of approximately 35 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS. Now in her twenties, she receives medical treatment and counseling. Her care is supported in part by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

The Global Fund finances programs delivering prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services in more than 140 countries. It receives financial contributions from (RED)®, a charity organization founded in 2006 to engage businesses in the fight against AIDS. Starbucks partnered with (RED) in 2008 and since then the company and its customers have generated more than $12 million for the Global Fund.

“Being able to help people in another part of the world is a powerful thing, and it’s humbling to observe the impact from these donations,” said Lindsey Austin, a Starbucks brand manager who works in the company’s headquarters and has been involved with the (STARBUCKS)RED program since its inception.

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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Starbucks summarized the 10 ways it supported its partners, customers and communities in 2014

Starbucks summarized the 10 ways it supported its partners, customers and communities in 2014

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10 special coffees featured on the Starbucks Newsroom in 2014

SEATTLE, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — It has always been and always will be about quality. Since 1971, Starbucks has been passionate about ethically sourcing and blending only the finest arabica coffee beans and roasting them with great care. The company’s passion for coffee is rivaled only by its love of sharing it with customers. Here are 10 special coffees featured on the Starbucks Newsroom in 2014:

1. Hacienda Alsacia

Hacienda Alsacia is a coffee farm resting Starbucks owns on the slope of the still-active Poas volcano. More than 300,000 pounds of coffee were harvested in the farm’s first year under the guidance of Starbucks (Starbucks purchased 396 million pounds of green coffee in fiscal year 2013).  Instead of selling the first crop of coffee from Hacienda Alsacia to customers, Starbucks gave a bag of the special coffee to each of its partners.

2. Costa Rica Geisha

Six years ago, in partnership with a local cooperative, Starbucks director of global agronomy planted a special coffee on the La Ines farm. The team was looking for the perfect union of disease tolerance, high yield and exceptional taste. “This truly was a labor of love,” said Carlos Mario Rodriguez. “We selected only two plants each out of lots of 20 and then nurtured the plants for six years.” The result is Starbucks Reserve® Costa Rica Geisha La Ines. Geisha takes its name from the village in Ethiopia where it was first discovered before being brought to Central America.

3. Kati Kati

In Swahili, Kati Kati simply means “between.” Starbucks Kati Kati Blend® tells a vivid story about the coffee grown between Kenya and Ethiopia. It is an example of the art of blending and roasting in action. The blend of these iconic East African origin coffees highlights the balance between citrus and spice notes from Kenya and subtle floral aromas and crisp acidity from Ethiopia, embodying the carefree nature of the summer season that is Kati Kati.

4. Colombia Nariño

Starbucks® Colombia Nariño coffee comes from a region in southeast Colombia on the border with Ecuador known as Nariño. Nariño’s unique characteristics create an exceptional coffee growing climate. The mountain area gets more than 70 inches of rain per year and plenty of sunshine. The region’s volcanic soil has a high percentage of organic material. “For us, the heart of Colombian coffee sits in the mountains of Nariño,” said Leslie Wolford, Starbucks senior green coffee specialist.  “Coffee grows at elevations higher than 6,500 feet, where warm tropical days and cool nights let the beans develop slowly.”

5. Tribute Blend

Starbucks created Tribute Blend® to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, to honor customers and partners, and to recognize the accomplishments of the coffee producers and roasters. Tribute Blend® combines four of customers’ all-time favorite coffees from all three growing regions. The Sun-Dried Ethiopia coffee, with an exotic flourish of dark cherry, is from Africa. Aged Sumatra comes from the Asia/Pacific region, featuring deep notes of cedar and sweet. Also originating from the Asia/Pacific area is the Papua New Guinea coffee, a deep-toned coffee with juicy herbal taste. Colombia coffee, with balanced and nutty tasting notes, hails from Latin America.

6. Single Origin Coffees

Single-origin coffees are beans sourced from one country, a region within a country, or sometimes even just a single estate or farm. Starbucks® Guatemala Laguna de Ayarza Single-Origin Coffee is one of three coffees made available in grocery stores in 2014. Starbucks has been purchasing coffee from Guatemala since the early days of the company. Laguna de Ayarza is a double caldera lake formed thousands of years ago in a volcanic mountain range in the northeast part of Guatemala. The coffee trees thrive in the rolling hills and mild climate, and roots grow deep in its volcanic soil rich in minerals.

7. Reserve Coffees

There’s a story in every cup of Starbucks coffee. From the qualities of the soil, to the fragrances and tastes of nearby crops, to the length of time it was left to ripen on the tree – each coffee expresses its own sense of place and conveys the way it was grown and nurtured. Starbucks Reserve® coffees help bring these individual stories to life with an ultra-premium line of coffees that are the most rare, limited availability coffees from around the world. “Starbucks is one of the few companies that can send coffee buyers to dozens of countries each year and taste hundreds and thousands of cups of coffee,” said Leslie Wolford, senior coffee specialist at Starbucks. “Every so often we come across a coffee that dazzles. We help their exceptional qualities shine as a Starbucks Reserve coffee.”

8. India Estates Blend

Launched as part of the first anniversary celebrations in 2013, the Starbucks® India Estates Blend captures the essence and rich heritage of Indian coffee history and draws inspiration from the finest arabica beans which have been carefully selected by Starbucks coffee experts from Tata Coffee’s estates across Coorg and Chickmagalur, the birth place of coffee in India. This single origin blend creates a fine balance between herbal and chocolate notes. The blend has been named to represent the origin of the coffee and the packaging has been carefully created to reflect traditional Indian designs, and this year the coffee was made available throughout 14 countries.

9. Gold Coast Blend

When Starbucks opened its first stores outside of Seattle, in 1987, it wanted to introduce a blend to honor one of its new locations in Chicago.  Starbucks master coffee blenders brought together the heft of beans from Latin America and Indonesia with a bit of sweetness from our dark Italian Roast. This created a taste every bit as sophisticated as the neighborhood it is named after – the Gold Coast Historic District. Starbucks Gold Coast Blend® is the epitome of the high art of blending because no single flavor element dominates this lush and lavish coffee.

10. Pantheon

To celebrate the opening of Starbucks® Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room, the company created an exceptional new coffee exclusive to the Roastery. Pantheon™ Blend is a blend of Starbucks® Reserve coffees from Guatemala, Colombia and West Java with tiered flavor notes of lemon, dark chocolate and brown sugar. The result is an exceptional cup that is complex and sophisticated as espresso and brewed coffee. The Starbucks Newsroom will feature the story behind Pantheon in January.

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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10 special coffees featured on the Starbucks Newsroom in 2014

10 special coffees featured on the Starbucks Newsroom in 2014

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Carrefour China now with 233 stores in the country

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 20 and 23 December, Carrefour China opened two new Carrefour stores. The country now has a total of 233!

On 20 December in the Shanghai region, a store with a sales area of more than 9400 m² opened to the public. The Carrefour Shanghai Cao Ying Store is surrounded by a car park with space for 1100 cars. 28 checkouts are available to customers.

The second store – the Wuhan Nanhu Wuchangfu store – has been trading since 23 December. With a sales area of 7900 m², it has 28 checkouts and a car park with space for 500 cars.

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PT. Matahari Putra Prima Tbk opened its 107th Hypermart in East Bekasi, Indonesia

Lippo Village, Tangerang, Indonesia, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — PT. Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA), a modern multi-format retailer in Indonesia, which operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty, opened its 107th Hypermart. The new Hypermart is located at Bekasi Trade Center City, a business center located in East Bekasi. This is the 5th Hypermart in Bekasi.

Also during the opening ceremony, collected customer infaq funds was presented to Dompet Dhuafa in the amount of Rp. 1,438,128,016. The donation had been collected during the period of 14th June to 31st August 2014. The presentation was made by the General Manager of Marketing Hypermart, Yoelius Gary Saputra to the Program Director of Dompet Dhuafa, Dr. Imam Rulyawan.

Danny Kojongian, Director of Communications and Public Relations stated, “The opening of the new Hypermart in Bekasi is in line with MPPA’s expansion to address the changing needs of customers and provide an exciting new shopping experience.”

About PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA)
PT Matahari Putra Prima (MPPA) operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty. Total 2013 Gross Sales amounted to Rp 12.6 Trillion (audited), a growth of 11.1% from 2012. Net Income 2013 amounted to Rp 445 Billion, which grew 85.8% from Rp 239 Billion in 2012. Hypermart has the widest store network among hypermarket operators in more than 60 cities ranging from Tanjung Balai (Medan) to Jayapura (Papua).

MPPA continues to receive both domestic and international acknowledgement with several awards such as:
2013 Retail Asia – Gold Award, 2011-2014 Superbrand Indonesia, 2013 Best of The Best 50 Performing Companies by Forbes Indonesia, Top Brand Awards, 2013 and 2014 Indonesia Most Admired Companies by Warta Ekonomi, 2013 Excellent Service Experience Award and 2013 Customer Satisfaction Award by Roy Morgan.

For further information, please contact :
PT. Matahari Putra Prima, Tbk
Danny Kojongian, Director Communications and Public Relations
Email: danny.kojongian@hypermart.co.id
Fernando Repi, Head of Public Relations
Mobile : 081511181187
Email: fernando.repi@hypermart.co.id
www.hypermart.co.id

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Saudi Arabia: SASCO updates on Ministry of Finance’s decision to cancel contract of one of its leased Gas Station in port Al Batha

Saudi Arabia, 2014-12-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — SASCO refers to its previous announcement on October 26, 2014 regarding the Ministryof Finance’s decision to cancel SASCO lease gas station in port Al Batha border and hand over the site no later than 30/12/1435 H. per their previous letter dated 25/09/1435 H. and company had handed over the site on 01/01/1436 H accordingly.

The latest developments, the company had received on December 22, 2014 a letter from the Ministry of Finance stated completing the compensation procedures which has been valued at (7,804,950 SR) based on the item No. (16) of the lease which states on “lessee shall hand over the site to the ministry in the case of the public interest for this site, and in this case the ministry of Finance will return the value of the remaining term of the lease and compensate for buildings and facilities were built on-site per regular financial regulations”.

The financial impact of such compensation is estimated gain of almost (1,8 Million SAR), which will be displayed within the company’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2014 after receipt the compensation check from the ministry and reduce the book value of the buildings & facilities and clear all necessary settlements.

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John Lewis Christmas barometer: Record fashion and home sales weeks

This week’s big story: Record fashion and home sales weeks

LONDON, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Both our Fashion and Home directorates had record sales weeks and this was reflected in their year-on-year increases of +2.5% and +0.6% respectively.The Fashion directorate’s record sales week reflected the last minute gifting trend with premium beauty +5% year-on-year alongside strong sales of beauty gift sets +7% year-on-year.

Weekly trading update

With the final few shopping days before Christmas still to come, last week John Lewis achieved sales of £160.6m +6.5% week on week, confirming our expectation that customers are choosing to leave their Christmas shopping right up until the last minute. The year on year comparison at -2.4% reflects the changing shape of Christmas trade with an early peak at the end of November. Online sales had a steady performance at +5.5% year-on-year.

Both our Fashion and Home directorates had record sales weeks and this was reflected in their year-on-year increases of +2.5% and +0.6% respectively. Electricals and Home Technology was -10.8%, a sign of the growing significance of Black Friday on the shape of pre-Christmas trade. Small electrical was up 7% year-on-year with GHD and Nespresso having record weeks growing +44% and +13% year-on-year respectively.

The weekend saw customers’ focus firmly shift to our shops, with branches up and down the country packed with Christmas shoppers and standout year-on-year performances from Chichester +10.6%, Chester +7.6% and Swindon +4.8%. We are giving customers an extra day to order Click & Collect items to any John Lewis shop, by extending the cut off date for orders to Tuesday 23 December for collection in our shops on Christmas Eve. This week, Click & Collect orders were up 30.3% year on year.

The Fashion directorate’s record sales week reflected the last minute gifting trend with premium beauty +5% year-on-year alongside strong sales of beauty gift sets +7% year-on-year. Menswear and sports also achieved record weeks with sports sales +13% including sports technology +90%. Further strong performances came from men’s formalwear +9.2% joined by men’s own brand +6.6%. Childrenswear also saw significant sales of +11% including nightwear +24% with onesies continuing their enduring popularity.

In Home, the record week reflected the strength of our own-brand range, which is selling well right up to Christmas, ahead of discounting when Clearance starts online on Christmas Eve. Impressive growth came right across our own brand home ranges including fitted furniture +11% and bed linen +6% year-on-year. Standout performances included our Aroma Home range of hot water bottles and hand warmers growing +26% year on year.

Andrew Murphy, Retail Director John Lewis, said: ‘Last week we said it’s all to play for and that is still absolutely the case as we have seen a building trend of customers leaving their gift purchases right up until the last minute. The record levels of trade in our fashion and home assortments are hard won in what has been a challenging market. However, busy though‎ our shops have been over the past week, it’s only in these final pre-Christmas days that many customers are finally moving to complete their gift buying and other purchases. Consequently our Partners are standing ready for a very busy final trading day before the festive break.’

Our next trading update will be on Monday 5 January which will give an overall view of the five weeks over the Christmas period up until Saturday 27 December.

All figures quoted are total sales including VAT.

  • £160.6m sterling total
  • +6.5% week on week increase
  • -2.4% year on year decrease
  • +5.5% year on year increase johnlewis.com

Week on week increases are percentage increases in sales value.

What Britain’s buying this week

(year on year % increase)

  • +90% Sports technology
  • +44% GHDs
  • +26% Aroma hot water bottles
  • +13% Nespresso
  • +9.2% Men’s formalwear.

Notes to editors

John Lewis – John Lewis operates 43 John Lewis shops across the UK (31 department stores, ten John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 30,000 staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, ‘Multichannel Retailer of the Year 2014’¹ , ‘Best Overall Retailer’² and ‘Best Retailer 2014’³, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014
² Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2014
³ Which? Awards 2014.

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

Email: johnlewis@brands2life.com
Telephone: 0207 592 1200

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Walgreens announced the second step of the Alliance Boots transaction expected to close on 31 December 2014

NOTTINGHAM, UK, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alliance Boots notes that Walgreens has today announced that, subject to shareholder approval, the second step of the Alliance Boots transaction is expected to close on 31 December 2014, ahead of the original goal.

As previously disclosed, Walgreens will hold a special Meeting of shareholders on 29 December in New York City.

Walgreens shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following items, among others:

  • the establishment of Walgreens Boots Alliance as the new publicly-traded holding company of the new combined enterprise, and
  • the issuance of Walgreens Boots Alliance shares

The transaction will fully combine the two companies to form the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About Alliance Boots
Alliance Boots is a leading international pharmacy-led health and beauty group delivering a range of products and services to customers. Working in close partnership with manufacturers and pharmacists, we are committed to improving health in the local communities we serve and helping our customers and patients to look and feel their best. Our focus is on growing our two core business activities of: pharmacy-led health and beauty retailing and pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution, while increasingly developing and internationalising our product brands.

Alliance Boots has a presence in more than 26* countries and employs over 120,000* people. We have pharmacy-led health and beauty retail businesses in 10* countries and operate more than 4,550* health and beauty retail stores, of which just under 4,450* have a pharmacy, with a fast growing online presence. In addition, Alliance Boots has around 600* optical practices, of which around 180* operate on a franchise basis, and hearingcare services in around 430* locations. Our pharmaceutical wholesale businesses deliver over 4.3* billion units each year to more than 175,000* pharmacies, doctors, health centres and hospitals from over 340* distribution centres in 19* countries.

In June 2012, Alliance Boots announced that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Walgreen Co. (Walgreens), the largest drugstore chain in the US. In August 2014, Alliance Boots and Walgreens communicated that they plan to merge in the first quarter of calendar 2015 to create the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise, which will be named Walgreens Boots Alliance.

* Figures are approximations as at 31 March 2014, with the addition of Farmacias Ahumada data at the date of its acquisition on 11 August 2014, and include associates and joint ventures.

For further information, please contact:

Media relations:

Yves Romestan/Laura Vergani/Katie Johnson/Julie Longton, Alliance Boots: +44 (0)207 980 8585

James Murgatroyd/Claire Scicluna, Finsbury: +44 (0)207 251 3801

Investor relations:

Gerald Gradwell, Alliance Boots: +44 (0)207 980 8527 (UK)/+1 646 688 1336 (US)

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Starbucks employees to organize community service projects during the holidays

SEATTLE, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — The ‘most wonderful time of the year’ can also be the most difficult time of the year for families in need.

Starbucks partners (employees) step in to help by organizing community service projects during the holidays. From collecting and distributing food to families to leading toy drives and packing gift boxes for military service members, the efforts are a reflection of the volunteer work partners worldwide do throughout the year.

“When partners get out of the store and volunteer their time with people in the community, it builds wonderful relationships,” said Bobi Jo Warner, a Starbucks store manager in Canada who has been with the company for 15 years.

Warner and her cousin Tara McCormick, who is also a Starbucks store manager in Edmonton, Alberta, volunteer with Little Warriors. The charitable organization is committed to the awareness, prevention and treatment of children who’ve been sexually abused.

Starbucks partners helped renovate a building at the charity’s Be Brave Ranch which supports children between the ages of eight and 12 through counseling and activities such as music and expressive art therapies.

“The renovation project is so close to my heart and I wanted to be part of it,” said McCormick. “It was one women’s dream to make sure the pain that these children go through doesn’t stop them from living their lives. It’s a healing place, a safe place for the children.”

The motivation to start Little Warriors seven years ago was personal for Glori Meldrum.  Nearly 24 years after being sexually abused, the entrepreneur and owner of an advertising agency founded the long-term treatment center for children.

Meldrum intends to raise $2.5 million in the coming year to fund the specialized counseling which can cost almost $25,000 for each child. Currently, the program supports 70 children and their families.

“This journey is about love and I have seen so many miracles along the way,” Meldrum said. “We are so grateful for all the help the Little Warriors receive from Starbucks partners who volunteer and spend so many hours helping our children and families.”

Starbucks partners, tell us about a volunteer project in your community and send photos to Newstips@starbucks.com

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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Starbucks employees to organize community service projects during the holidays

Starbucks employees to organize community service projects during the holidays

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Starbucks design team chose to feature Mandy Shoger’s hand-crafted pottery with the merchandise curated for the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room

Everything about a Seattle artisan’s work has a hidden meaning.

SEATTLE, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Mandy Shoger’s company, Foxtail Pottery, takes its name from the Foxtail Pine. The hardy tree only grows a few inches per year above an elevation of 10,000 feet in the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range above.  The signature design she creates on hand-crafted pottery is the chrysanthemum. That flower is considered a symbol of life and rebirth.

“My art has meaning, but it is even more important to me to bring art into the functional moments of our day,” said Shoger. “I enjoy making beautiful dinnerware that people will touch and use every day. Art doesn’t have to live in a gallery or on a display shelf.”

Shoger’s philosophy is echoed by the Starbucks design team who chose to feature her hand-crafted pottery with the merchandise curated for the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room.

Foxtail Pottery joins Seattle’s 5 Lines Pottery and Glassybaby as the first local artisans presenting merchandise commissioned by Starbucks for the new 15,000 square foot Roastery at 1124 Pike Street in Seattle.

The “artist series” will be a rotating collection of mugs, and small bowls, plates and glasses highlighting local designers and brands. The Roastery also offers a whimsical collection of linens, custom letterpress cards, and aprons and leather merchandise from Hardmill, a company founded by two brothers in Seattle.

“As we began planning for the space, we knew the merchandise needed to be unique and special, not unlike our Reserve coffees,” said Jennifer Quotson, vice president, Starbucks Global Brand Creative.

Starbucks designers created a colorful collection of a dozen mugs of different shapes, sizes and textures with the Starbucks Reserve logo – a star over a capital letter R. The Roastery also includes a selection of hard-to-find brewing equipment including: Chemex®, pour-over coffee makers, classic stovetop brewers and kettles, presses, espresso machines, scales and grinders.

In addition to creating a retail experience unlike anything customers have seen from Starbucks before, Quotson wanted to support artists in Seattle.

“We thought about the values of the people we wanted to partner with and the quality of their products,” said Quotson. “There is a synergy between our small-batch coffees and their work in limited runs. There’s passion and playfulness there.”

Shoger’s passion for art began when she was a child. One of her earliest memories is of cutting up colorful pieces of paper and reassembling the shapes to make interesting designs. She was an art major in college, specializing in oil painting. A few years ago she took a neighborhood pottery class and “fell in love.”

“It was like meditation for me,” she said. “Although it required a lot of focus and concentration, I like how calm and centered I felt while using a potter’s wheel.”

Making pottery is also a contrast to her primary job at a Seattle hospital where she’s a technologist in the Interventional Radiology department. Shoger assists doctors who are using technology to guide their tools as they place stents, angioplasties and similar procedures.

Ultimately, she would like to be a fulltime artist and is grateful to Starbucks for the additional exposure her pottery will receive through the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room. At the moment, Shoger is content with the connection she feels with the people who use her mugs and dinnerware.

“Coffee or tea time is such a comforting, nourishing ritual,” she said. “Having a mug made by hand can make that ritual even more special.”

Video by Fran Ramos-Sabugo Rodriguez

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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Starbucks design team chose to feature Mandy Shoger’s hand-crafted pottery with the merchandise curated for the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room

Starbucks design team chose to feature Mandy Shoger’s hand-crafted pottery with the merchandise curated for the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery and Tasting Room

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Carrefour France and Cora / Supermarchés Match to cooperate on purchasing

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour France and Cora / Supermarchés Match announce today that they have signed an agreement to cooperate on purchasing. This agreement establishes a long-term partnership, with no equity ties between the two companies, under which both companies maintain their independence while committing to sustainable relationships with their suppliers. The agreement will enhance the competitiveness of their banners for the benefit of consumers.

This partnership covers purchasing negotiations for national and international brands, food products and general merchandise, with the exception of private label products, goods produced by SMEs and fresh produce from the agricultural sector.

Carrefour and Cora / Supermarchés Match will maintain their separate commercial policies, with each banner independently setting its prices and promotional policy.

This partnership becomes effective on January 1, 2015.

About Carrefour Group
The Carrefour Group is the leading retailer in Europe and the second-largest retailer in the world, employing 365,000 people. With more than 10,600 stores in more than 30 countries (at September 30, 2014), it generated revenues of €100.2 billion under banners in 2013. As a multi-local, multi-format, and multi-channel retailer, Carrefour is a partner for daily life. Every day, Carrefour welcomes more than 10 million customers around the world. For more information: www.carrefour.com and @GroupeCarrefour on Twitter

About Cora
Cora France operates 59 hypermarkets mainly in the north and east of France. The company employs 15,100 people and generated revenues of €5 billion in 2013. For more information: www.cora.fr

About Supermarchés Match
Supermarchés Match operates 140 supermarkets in the north and east of France. The company employs 5,300 people and generated revenues of €1.2 billion in 2013. For more information: www.supermarchesmatch.fr

CONTACTS
Carrefour
Group Communication Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 04 26 17
Investor Relations Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 04 26 00

Cora & Supermarchés Match
Nathalie Bernard, Hopscotch Tel: +33 (0)1 58 65 00 08

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Carrefour with 3 awards from The LSA Innovation Awards ceremony held on 17 December 2014

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — The LSA Innovation Awards ceremony was held on 17 December 2014, as a unique opportunity for companies in the retail and consumer sector to showcase their various initiatives. Three awards were presented to Carrefour in recognition of its teams’ work alongside its partners, demonstrating that innovation is still – more than ever – central to everything that the Group does.

The Tex brand wins an award for its innovative communications campaign
Carrefour was recognised for the original and innovative advertising campaign that it launched for its 2014 spring / summer Tex collection. Carrefour wanted to give its customers a whole new shopping experience, and so the Group developed “My virtual look by Tex”, virtual fitting rooms in 6 stores throughout France in partnership with Clear Channel and a “Shazam ton spot TV pour trouver ton style” – the first Shazam TV campaign with a retail brand.

As Thierry Pelissier, Marketing and Communications Director for Carrefour France, explains,
“This campaign is evidence of our desire to use new technologies to innovate, surprise our customers and provide them with new fun and practical solutions”.

Carrefour products in the spotlight
The jury paid tribute to two designs from the Design Carrefour team.
The first one is a flexible ice-tray complete with a lid made of two different materials. It’s easy to fill, doesn’t run and individual ice cubes can be removed incredibly easily.

And the second is the “Smart Desk” – a folding desk specially designed for small areas. Featuring numerous storage tips, it folds up very easily so it can be stored flat under a bed or behind a wardrobe, meaning guaranteed space savings.

“On behalf of all of Carrefour’s design teams and our partners, we are very honoured to receive these Awards which pay tribute to our project to make design available to as many people as possible. Our aim is to create objects that are essential and clever… that are simple and beautiful while offering the best value for money so as to make our customers’ everyday lives easier”, says Philippe Picaud, Carrefour’s Design Director

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Carrefour with 3 awards from The LSA Innovation Awards ceremony held on 17 December 2014

Carrefour with 3 awards from The LSA Innovation Awards ceremony held on 17 December 2014

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PT. Matahari Putra Prima Tbk opened its 105th Hypermart at one of the largest modern shopping centers in Bau-Bau, Indonesia

Lippo Village, Tangerang, Indonesia, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — PT. Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA), a modern multi-format retailer in Indonesia, which operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty, opened its 105th Hypermart. The new Hypermart is located at Lippo Plaza Buton, one of the largest modern shopping centers in Bau-Bau. This outlet is the first Hypermart located in Bau-Bau and the 2nd outlet in Southeast Sulawesi Province.

The opening ceremony was attended by MPPA management’s team, the regent of Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, H. Tafdil, the mayor of Bau-bau, A.S Tamrin, and invited guests.

Danny Kojongian, Director of Communications and Public Relations stated, “The opening of Bau-Bau is in line with MPPA expansion strategy to expand into secondary cities. The presence of Hypermart will aide in boosting the economy in Bau-Bau,” he continued.

About PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA)
PT Matahari Putra Prima (MPPA) operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty. Total 2013 Gross Sales amounted to Rp 12.6 Trillion (audited), a growth of 11.1% from 2012. Net Income 2013 amounted to Rp 445 Billion, which grew 85.8% from Rp 239 Billion in 2012. Hypermart has the widest store network among hypermarket operators in more than 60 cities ranging from Tanjung Balai (Medan) to Jayapura (Papua).

MPPA continues to receive both domestic and international acknowledgement with several awards such as: 2013 Retail Asia – Gold Award, 2011-2014 Superbrand Indonesia, 2013 Best of The Best 50 Performing Companies by Forbes Indonesia, Top Brand Awards, 2013 and 2014 Indonesia Most Admired Companies by Warta Ekonomi, 2013 Excellent Service Experience Award and 2013 Customer Satisfaction Award by Roy Morgan.

For further information, please contact :
PT. Matahari Putra Prima, Tbk
Danny Kojongian, Director Communications and Public Relations
Email: danny.kojongian@hypermart.co.id
Fernando Repi, Head of Public Relations
Mobile :081511181187
Email :fernando.repi@hypermart.co.id
Website: www.hypermart.co.id

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Kingfisher plc to sell a controlling 70% stake in its B&Q China business to Wumei Holdings Inc for £140 million

LONDON, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kingfisher plc, Europe’s leading home improvement retailer, today announces a binding agreement to sell a controlling 70% stake in its B&Q China business to Wumei Holdings Inc for a total cash consideration of £140 million. The agreement follows Kingfisher’s previous announcement of its plans to look for a strategic partner to help develop its B&Q business in China

The transaction is conditional on MOFCOM (Chinese Ministry of Commerce) approval and, if approved, is expected to close during the first half of next year.

Commenting on the announcement, Véronique Laury, Kingfisher’s Group Chief Executive, said:

“I am delighted to have found a strong retail partner who will help us to release the financial value of our business in China. This will enable us to focus our financial resources and management talent on the large and attractive European home improvement market.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Kingfisher plc is Europe’s leading home improvement retail group and the third largest in the world, with 1,176 stores in 11 countries in Europe and Asia. Its main retail brands are B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Screwfix. Kingfisher also operates the Koçtaş brand, a 50% joint venture in Turkey with the Koç Group.

B&Q China opened its first store in China in 1999 and now has 39 stores in the market, with over 3,000 employees.

Wumei Holdings Inc is one of China’s leading retail chain store operators. It was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Beijing. The retail network comprises around 650 supermarkets and 10 department stores in northern, eastern and western China with a sales area of over 1.4m sqm. It is the controlling shareholder of Hong Kong listed Wumart Stores Inc and Shanghai listed Xinhua Department Store. Its brands include Wumart, Jingbei Shopping Mall, Merrymart, Xinhua Department Store, Zhejiang Gongxiao and Laodafang.

UBS Investment Bank acted as financial adviser to Kingfisher on the transaction andHogan Lovells acted as legal adviser.

 

ENQUIRIES

Sarah Levy, Director of Investor Relations  +44 (0) 20 7644 1032

Nigel Cope, Head of Media Relations +44 (0) 20 7644 1030

Brunswick (London)  +44 (0) 20 7404 5959

Brunswick (China)   +86 (0) 21 6039 6305

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Auchan won 2 human resources related awards in China

PARIS, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Auchan China had been selected as a winner of the “100 best Human Resource Management companies of 2014” award and of the “outstanding performance for best E-Learning develoment of 2014” award.

These Awards were sponsored by 51job.Inc, the leading integrated human resources service provider in China.

This is a great honor for Auchan China as well as an approval of its human resource management. Auchan China is one of the only two retailers who won this award (METRO, now a strategic partner of Groupe Auchan,  being the second one).

In fact, this is not the first time that Auchan China received the prize in human resource field. Last year, Auchan China had won the “Best Employer 2013” award sponsored by ZHAOPIN.

All these awards illustrate that our Vision, our values, our culture are well implemented in the company, and that sharing power, knowledge and success are not only words but is also day-to-day implemented by strong actions.

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NRF’s 2014 Return Fraud Survey: the industry will lose an estimated $10.9 billion to return fraud this year

WASHINGTON, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Techniques and processes put in place to thwart criminal activity around retailers’ return policies continue to be put to the test, and with steadily improving retail sales, even more is on the line when it comes to losses from return fraud.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Return Fraud Survey* completed by loss prevention executives at 60 retail companies representing grocery, department, discount, specialty and small retailers, the industry will lose an estimated $10.9 billion to return fraud this year. Additionally, of those surveyed, retailers estimate $3.8 billion will be lost to return fraud this holiday season alone, up slightly from last year’s $3.4 billion. Overall, retailers polled estimate 5.5 percent of holiday returns are fraudulent, similar to last year’s 5.8 percent.

“Today’s sophisticated technology does well keeping criminals at arm’s length but often isn’t enough to completely stop the unethical practices of organized and individual retail fraud occurrences,” said NRF Vice President of Loss Prevention Bob Moraca. “Return fraud has become an unfortunate trend in retail thanks to thieves taking advantage of retailers’ return policies to benefit from the cash or store credit they don’t deserve. Additionally, many of these return fraud instances are a direct result of larger, more experienced crime rings that continue to pose serious threats to retailers’ operations and their bottom lines.”

According to the survey, nearly all (92.7%) of the retailers polled say they have experienced the return of stolen merchandise in the last year, similar to last year’s 94.8 percent. In a troubling sign that organized retail crime continues to present significant challenges for retailers, more than three-quarters of those polled (78.2%) say they have experienced return fraud through returns by organized retail crime groups, up from 60.3 percent last year.

As more shoppers look to digital receipts for ease and convenience, retailers are noticing increasing return fraud instances with e-receipts: the survey found more retailers this year said they have experienced return fraud with the use of e-receipts (18.2% versus 15.5 % last year).

The survey also found a significant jump in the number of retailers who say they have experienced the return of merchandise purchased with fraudulent or stolen payment methods (81.8% versus 69% last year).

Additionally, one-quarter (25.5%) of the retailers surveyed said they have witnessed fraudulent returns using counterfeit receipts, down slightly from 29.3 percent last year; eight in 10 (81.8%) retailers surveyed report that they’ve dealt with employee return fraud or collusion with external sources, down from 93.1 percent last year.

One of the biggest issues for retailers is the practice of “wardrobing,” or the return of used, non-defective merchandise such as special occasion apparel and certain electronics. Though many companies have employed specific tactics to curb this unethical practice, nearly three-quarters (72.7%) of retailers polled say they have experienced wardrobing in the past year, up from 62.1 percent last year.

The problem of return fraud has forced many retailers to adopt policies that require customers who are returning merchandise to show identification. Retailers estimate that 14.1 percent of the returns made throughout the year without a receipt are fraudulent and as a result, 70.9 percent now require customers returning items without a receipt to show identification. Even when a receipt is present, more retailers polled this year say they ask for identification (25.5% versus 12.3% last year.)

Overall, retailers report a small percentage of online purchases returned to their stores to be fraudulent (3.5%).

When asked about return fraud and the various types of payment methods, 72.7 percent of those polled said they have witnessed an increase in gift cards/store merchandise credit fraud in the past year. Nearly four in 10 (38.2%) surveyed said they have witnessed an increase in return fraud with the use of credit cards, although 45.5 percent report no change in fraudulent credit card usage from last year. Additionally, three in 10 (30.9%) said they’ve witnessed an increase in debit card fraud.

Eighty-seven percent of those polled said they allow customers to return merchandise bought online to their brick-and-mortar stores, up from 82.5 percent last year.

About the survey
NRF’s 2014 Return Fraud Survey polled senior loss prevention executives at 60 retail companies in October and November, 2014. Executives from discount stores, department stores, drug stores, supermarkets, apparel, home furnishings, auto parts and other specialty stores completed the survey.

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 $2.6 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. nrf.com

Kathy Grannis
(202) 783-7971
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

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Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

Cheshunt, England, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has enlisted the help of stunning starlet Sam Faiers to give one fan an incredible Christmas this year. Maisie Bone, 19, from Kent was given the ultimate surprise when Sam knocked on her door last night to meet her in person.

The blonde beauty arrived with her glam squad in tow to give the star struck fan a gorgeous makeover in time for Christmas Day. After a girly gossip with Maisie, the former TOWIE star and her team gave Maisie an amazing new look with big and beautiful party hair and glamorous makeup. Sam even offered some of her top styling and beauty tips for the festive season.

This once-in-a-lifetime visit was organised by Tesco after the social media team spotted Maisie on Twitter and wanted to give her a special festive treat. This early Christmas present is part of the supermarket’s Every Little Helps Make Christmas campaign, which aims to go the extra mile for customers this Christmas and help them in whatever way they can, big or small.

Sam Faiers said, “I love getting glammed up with my girls for Christmas parties, so I jumped at the chance to surprise Maisie with a makeover treat. It was clear from her reaction when we knocked on her door that she had no idea we were coming. I really hope Tesco and I have helped make Maisie’s Christmas unforgettable this year!”

Maisie Bone said, “Opening the door to Sam Faiers was like a dream come true – I’m such a huge fan. I love my new hair style and make-up and got some great styling tips from Sam. I can’t believe Tesco organised this for me – best Christmas present ever.”

Danny Coleman-Cooke, at Tesco commented, “We saw on Twitter that Maisie was a huge fan of Sam and so we wanted to bring the ultimate Christmas surprise to her front door. We hope that together with Sam we’ve given Maisie a Christmas she’ll never forget.”

Sam Faiers top styling and beauty tips for this Christmas include:

  • Turn any outfit from day to night with a pair of gorgeous metallic shoes and a statement necklace
  • Faux fur is big this Christmas. Glam up your look with gorgeous faux fur accessories
  • I love sparkle to really make me feel festive – a gorgeous sequin dress is a must for my wardrobe
  • Nothing makes you stand out from the crowd more than a leopard print coat. Wear it over a little black dress for a gorgeous party look
  • Bronze eyes with luscious red lips is my favourite look this party season
  • Tong hair for a loose curl and add a couple of braids for a tousled look taking you from day to night
  • Always cleanse, tone and moisture and never sleep in your make-up to keep your skin looking radiant at all the parties
  • Billie and I love getting into a pair of new PJs on Christmas Day – it’s a must in my house!
  • When applying liquid or gel eyeliner always start from the outside in for a classy winged look
  • Body shimmer makes your skin glow and helps hide little imperfections, try my La Bella body shimmer this Christmas

Maisie was also treated to a hamper of goodies, including Tesco finest Champagne and party nibbles and a personally signed Sam Faiers La Bella gift set, which includes her debut fragrance.

Join the conversation at #Make_Christmas.

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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Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

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2,100 Sainsbury’s office workers pledge over 3,800 days of their time to help out in stores over the busy Christmas period

LONDON, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — This year, over 2,100 Sainsbury’s office workers from the retailer’s store support centres in London, Manchester, Coventry and Edinburgh will pledge over 3,800 days of their time to help out in stores over the busy Christmas period.

Sainsbury’s suppliers are also joining in, with more than 480 people from 121 different suppliers pledging an additional 560 days of help – taking the total up to over 4,300 days of extra support. The annual store working initiative runs from Wednesday 17th December to Wednesday 31st December.

Board members and their teams will be helping keep the shelves fully stocked, as the supermarket gears up for its busiest trading days of the year – Sunday 21st to Wednesday 24th December.

For the second time in a row, Sainsbury’s has also won ‘The Grocer 33 Store of the Week’ award, based on metrics such as great customer service and product availability. The extra help from office workers and suppliers over the festive period will ensure that Sainsbury’s customers get the best service possible.

Retail and Operations Director, Roger Burnley said: “It’s fantastic that we have so many colleagues volunteering to help during the busiest time of year and it’s a great opportunity for them to get hands on experience of working in a store. Our teams work incredibly well together and I’m looking forward to us delivering a great service for our customers this Christmas.”

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2,100 Sainsbury’s office workers pledge over 3,800 days of their time to help out in stores over the busy Christmas period

2,100 Sainsbury’s office workers pledge over 3,800 days of their time to help out in stores over the busy Christmas period

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Walgreen Co. intends to apply to list the shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “WBA”

Company intends to delist and deregister common stock from NYSE and CHX

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) (Nasdaq: WAG) announced today that it intends to apply to list the shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “WBA” following the closing of the previously announced reorganization of Walgreens into a holding company structure pursuant to a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreens with and into Walgreens (the “Reorg Merger”), in which issued and outstanding shares of Walgreens common stock, par value $0.078125 per share, will be converted automatically into the right to receive shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock, par value $0.01 per share, on a one-for-one basis, and the acquisition of the remaining 55 percent of Alliance Boots GmbH that it does not currently own. Listing will be subject to the closing of the Reorg Merger and to Walgreens Boots Alliance fulfilling all of the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Walgreens also announced today that it has notified the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX) of its intention to voluntarily withdraw its common stock from listing on both the NYSE and the CHX and from registration under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) in respect of such exchanges upon the closing of the Reorg Merger. Walgreens proposed delisting is contingent upon the closing of the Reorg Merger, which is subject to, among other conditions, the receipt of shareholder approval. To effect the delisting, Walgreens expects to file a Form 25 in respect of such exchanges with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Walgreens reserves the right to delay the filing of the Form 25 or to withdraw such filing for any reason prior to its effectiveness, including, without limitation, in the event that the Reorg Merger is delayed or is not completed for any reason.

Walgreens decision to withdraw its common stock from listing on the NYSE and the CHX and from registration under the Exchange Act in respect of such exchanges and to list shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock solely on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC was based on its determination that, following the completion of the Reorg Merger, shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance common stock should trade on a single national securities exchange in order to, among other things, reduce the administrative costs and burdens associated with maintaining the listing on multiple national securities exchanges.

About Walgreens
As the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2014 sales of $76 billion, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) vision is to be America’s most loved pharmacy-led health, wellbeing and beauty enterprise. Each day, in communities across America, more than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with online and mobile services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company operates 8,229 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.

Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

In connection with the proposed transactions between Walgreen Co. (“Walgreens”) and Alliance Boots GmbH, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (“WBA”) has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 and two amendments thereto, as well as a definitive prospectus of WBA and a definitive proxy statement of Walgreens in connection with the proposed transactions. The registration statement, as amended was declared effective by the SEC on November 24, 2014, and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to Walgreens’ shareholders on or about November 24, 2014. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF WALGREENS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Walgreens or WBA through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Walgreens or WBA will be available free of charge on Walgreens’ internet website at www.walgreens.com under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the heading “SEC Filings” or by contacting Walgreens’ Investor Relations Department at (847) 315-2361.

Participants in the Solicitation

Walgreens, Alliance Boots GmbH, WBA and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the holders of Walgreens common stock in respect of the proposed transactions. You can find information about Walgreens’ directors and executive officers in Walgreens’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014, as amended. Additional information regarding the persons who are, under the rules of the SEC, participants in the solicitation of proxies in favor of the proposed transactions is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus. You can obtain free copies of these documents, which are filed with the SEC, from Walgreens using the contact information above.

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Michael Polzin, 847-315-2920
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Russia’s largest retailer “Magnit” announces the opening of its 89th “Magnit Family” store

Krasnodar, Russia, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — PJSC “Magnit”, Russia’s largest retailer (the “Company”; MICEX and LSE: MGNT), is pleased to announce the opening of a new hypermarket and “Magnit Family” stores.

Please be informed that on December 20, 2014 the Company has opened its 89th “Magnit Family” store.

The 89th “Magnit Family” store is located at Gafiatullina street, Bugulma, Republic of Tatarstan, Volga federal region. Assortment of the store consists of more than 8,500 SKUs, out of which about 90% are food items. There are 13 cash desks installed in the sales area. The outlet is owned by the Company. The hypermarket is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.

On December 21, 2014 the Company has opened its 90th and 91st “Magnit Family” stores.

The 90th “Magnit Family” store is located at 28, 40 let Pobedy street, Togliatti, Samara oblast, Volga federal region. Assortment of the store consists of more than 7,400 SKUs, out of which about 93% 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 11 pm.

The 91st “Magnit Family” store is located at 3, Bolshaya Filevskaya street, Moscow, Central federal region. Assortment of the store consists of more than 9,100 SKUs, out of which about 89% are food items. There are 12 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 11 pm.

On December 22, 2014 the Company has opened its 92nd “Magnit Family” store and 185th hypermarket.

The 92nd “Magnit Family” store is located at 16/2, Industrialnoye shosse, Sibay, Republic of Bashkortostan, Volga federal region. Assortment of the store consists of about 7,400 SKUs, out of which about 91% are food items. There are 11 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 11 pm

The 185th hypermarket (small format) is located at Kurchatova street (“Kosmos” shopping center), Volgograd, Southern federal region. Assortment of the hypermarket consists of more than 12,800 SKUs, out of which about 86% are food items. There are 14 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 10:30 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: +7-861-277-45-54 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 September 30, 2014, Magnit operated 25 distribution centers and over 9,020 stores (7,891 convenience, 243 hypermarkets, and 886 drogerie stores) in approximately
2,000 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the reviewed IFRS consolidated financial statements for 1H 2014, Magnit had revenues of $9,979 million USD and an EBITDA of $1,045 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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AB Acquisition LLC and Safeway Inc. to sell 168 stores across eight states to four buyers

Subject to FTC approval, divested stores will continue to operate as competing grocery stores

BOISE, ID and PLEASANTON, CA, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — AB Acquisition LLC (Albertsons) and Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) announced today that they have entered into agreements, subject to approval by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to sell 168 stores across eight states to four buyers:

  • Associated Food Stores (AFS) will purchase eight stores in Montana and Wyoming;
  • Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG)/Minyards will purchase 12 stores in Texas;
  • SUPERVALU will purchase two stores in Washington; and
  • Haggen will purchase 146 stores across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Divestiture of these stores is being undertaken in order to secure FTC clearance of the companies’ proposed merger, which was announced in March and is expected to close in January 2015. The purchase agreements with the four buyers are all subject to approval by the FTC.

Under the terms of the purchase agreements, the buyers will acquire the stores, equipment and inventory, and they intend to hire most, if not all, of the store employees upon the closing of the purchase of the stores.. For a complete list of stores to be divested, please visit: http://www.albertsons.com/tellmemore.

“We’re pleased to have found strong buyers for these stores and to have completed this important step toward combining Albertsons and Safeway,” said Safeway President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Edwards, who will serve as the combined company’s President and CEO. “We look forward now to the transaction’s close, so we can begin working together to enhance the loyalty of grocery shoppers by delivering high quality products, great service and lower prices to become the favorite local supermarket in every neighborhood we serve.”

About Safeway Inc.
Safeway Inc., which operates Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Carrs stores, is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States with sales of $35.1 billion in 2013. The company operates 1,326 stores in 20 states and the District of Columbia, 13 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing plants, and employs approximately 138,000 employees. The company’s common stock is currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol SWY. The company will be delisted from the NYSE upon closing of the merger. For more information, please visit www.Safeway.com.

About Albertsons
Established in 2006, AB Acquisition LLC (Albertsons), which operates ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaws, Star Market and Super Saver, and stores under the United Family of stores, Amigos, Market Street and United Supermarkets, is working to become the favorite food and drug retailer in every area it serves. The company is privately owned by Cerberus Capital Management, Kimco Realty Corporation, Klaff Realty, Lubert-Adler Partners and Schottenstein Stores Corporation, and currently operates 1,081 stores and 14 distribution centers in 29 states and employs approximately 115,000 associates. For more information, please visit www.Albertsons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are indicated by words such as “expects,” “will,” “plans,” “intends,” “committed to,” “estimates” and “is.” No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Neither Safeway nor any other person can assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of forward-looking statements. There are various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Safeway’s control. These factors include: failure to obtain, delays in obtaining or adverse conditions contained in any required regulatory or other approvals; failure to consummate or delay in consummating the transactions described herein for any other reasons; changes in laws or regulations; and changes in general economic conditions. Safeway undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information please refer to Safeway’s most recent Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Media Contacts:

Christine Wilcox
christine.wilcox@albertsons.com | 208-395-4163

Brian Dowling
brian.dowling@safeway.com | 925-467-3787

 Investor Contact:

Christiane Pelz  | 925-467-3832

 

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Sainsbury’s donates nearly 10,000 turkeys along with other fruit and veg to offer a Christmas dinner to those in need

LONDON, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s has pledged a donation of nearly 10,000 turkeys along with other fruit and veg to offer a Christmas dinner to those in need over the week of Christmas.

Taste the Difference and By Sainsbury’s turkeys and turkey crowns are being donated in partnership with poultry supplier Faccenda.

Earlier this month Sainsbury’s also pledged a year’s worth of fruit and veg supplies to charities through its fresh produce suppliers – including the traditional sprouts for Christmas.

Turkey donations alone will provide around 100,000 portions of meat over Christmas week.

Charity Fareshare – which was founded by Sainsbury’s in partnership with Crisis twenty years ago – is adding Christmas food to its traditional year-round donations to charities across the country in the run up to the festive season.

Sainsbury’s Fresh Produce Business Unit Director Charlotte Rhodes, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to help those in need this Christmas with our donation of turkeys. It adds to our extensive donations of fresh fruit and vegetables and other goods all year round. Together with Fareshare we’re committed to getting food to those who need it most.”

FareShare’s Director of food Mark Varney said: “This is a really welcome addition at this time of year that we can pass onto our charity members across the UK who help some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded people in need. We have the capacity and space to handle large volumes of surplus food and to redistribute it to great and wide effect. We would urge other suppliers and food industry companies that have surplus food, particularly turkeys, to get in touch.”

Notes to editors 

Turkeys donated to Fareshare via Faccenda include Taste the Difference and By Sainsburys birds and crowns – totalling 9,776 units. The equivalent in portion sizes is 100,000.

About Fareshare
FareShare was co-founded by Sainsbury’s and homeless charity Crisis in 1994 and operated as a division of Crisis for 10 years.

Fareshare supports 1,711 local charities and community projects across the UK including breakfast and afterschool clubs for vulnerable children, lunch clubs for elderly people living in isolation, homeless hostels, drop in centres for people recovering from addictions and charities helping people with mental health issues, physical disabilities and health related issues.

Through its charity members Fareshare are helping to feed over 82,000 people every day, redistributing more than 6,400 tonnes of food a year which helps to provide around 13.2 million meals a year.

Donating fruit and veg through a supplier summit

Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer that encouraged its suppliers to work with FareShare and authorised them to divert own branded surplus products to the charity’s network.

Since April 2013 and as a direct result of these introductions to suppliers by Sainsbury’s, FareShare has captured over 495 tonnes of surplus fresh produce from fresh produce suppliers that would otherwise be considered waste. This has been instrumental in providing valuable nutritional products to vulnerable people accessing food at projects supplied by FareShare.

FareShare’s partnership with Sainsbury’s is helping the business to reduce the amount of surplus food and the associated costs involved of returning surplus stock back through the supply chain. In addition, Sainsbury’s works closely with suppliers to encourage the reduction on surplus products appearing, resulting in a more effective and efficient supply chain overall.

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Sainsbury's donates nearly 10,000 turkeys along with other fruit and veg to offer a Christmas dinner to those in need

Sainsbury’s donates nearly 10,000 turkeys along with other fruit and veg to offer a Christmas dinner to those in need

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Starbucks: Teavana teamed up with lifestyle maven Camille Styles to create five great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list this holiday

SEATTLE, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Last-minute gifts can still be memorable ones with a few thoughtful touches. Teavana teamed up with lifestyle maven Camille Styles to create five great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list this holiday.

1. Christmas Morning Breakfast for the Hostess

Surprise your holiday hostess with a gift basket with all the fixings for a delicious memorable Christmas morning brunch. Line a gift basket with a festive tea towel and fill with pancake mix, a jar of jam, fresh apples and Teavana Chocolate Chai Black Tea. Top with a bow, a few sprigs of greenery, and a Teavana® Perfectea® Spoon.

“There’s no better way to kick off the most wonderful day of the year,” said Styles. “Plus, any gift that lessens your recipient’s to-do list is a surefire win.”

2. Loose-Leaf Tea for Your Foodie Coworker

“For all those people on your list who have you stumped — like neighbors, clients and coworkers — we love the idea of gifting each of them with one of Teavana’s Frosted Tins.”

These hand-wrapped Japanese tins are custom designed in frost-inspired, foil-stamped paper, available in three holiday colors and are perfect for gifting. Perfect filled with five ounces of delicious loose-leaf Teavana® White Chocolate Peppermint Tea.

3. Snow Day Survival Kit for Your Bookworm Sister

“This time of year, sometimes nothing sounds better than cuddling up at home and unwinding with loved ones over card games, classic books and cozy tea,” Styles said.

To create a relaxing gift perfect for a snow day, fill a decorative container with Teavana’s Perfectea® Maker and the Holiday Tea Collection, which includes four holiday-inspired blends.  Add a pair of soft slippers, classic hardback novels and a deck of playing cards.

4. Grab-and-Go Gift Cards for Last Minute Gifting

“By adding a personal touch with a gorgeous wrapping job, a gift card can be easily transformed to be much more,” Styles said.

Styles shares her secret to transforming a Teavana Gift Card into a beautiful package:

1) Place the gift card in the center of a 6″ paper doily. Use a small piece of double-sided tape on the back of the gift card to secure it in place. 2) Fold in the right and left sides of the doily, and crease over the gift card.  3) Fold up and crease the bottom of the doily, then fold down and crease the top of the doily. 4) Wrap ribbon or twine around packaged card, and tie in a bow.

5.  Gingerbread Men in a Box for the Busy Mom

“This gift basket’s got a little something for everyone: loose leaf tea and an insulated tumbler for mom, and all the materials needed to decorate gingerbread men for the kids,” said Styles.

Bundle up gingerbread cookies, toppings like frosting and candy, and wood craft sticks with raffia or twine. For mom, add a stainless steel Snowflake Tumbler to enjoy tea on the go, and a few ounces of Teavana® Gingerbread Tea.

Starbucks compensated Camille Styles to share her gift ideas.

About Teavana
Founded in 1997, Teavana offers new tea enthusiasts and tea connoisseurs alike its “Heaven of Tea” retail experience where passionate and knowledgeable “Teaologists” engage and educate them about the ritual and enjoyment of tea. The company’s mission is to establish Teavana as the most recognized and respected brand in the tea industry by expanding the culture of tea across the world. Teavana joined the Starbucks family in December of 2012. For more information, visitwww.teavana.com.

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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Starbucks: Teavana teamed up with lifestyle maven Camille Styles to create five great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list this holiday

Starbucks: Teavana teamed up with lifestyle maven Camille Styles to create five great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list this holiday

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Carrefour received 3 Design Awards – more than any other company – at Observeur du design awards on 9 December 2014

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 9 December 2014, Observeur du Design awards were given to 29 designs out of the 150 objects that were shortlisted this year. The awards ceremony was held at Paris’ Cité des sciences et de l’industrie and was an opportunity for various key players involved in French design and industry to come together and discuss the importance of design as a means for companies to differentiate themselves, increase their competitivity and drive growth.

More than 1400 people were in attendance at the Observeur du design awards.

For this year – the 16th year that the awards ceremony has been held – the panel of professionals made up of designers, corporates and journalists chaired by Isabelle de Ponfilly, Managing Director of Vitra France honoured the role played by design in daily-use products and services through their practical, technical and aesthetic aspects.

Carrefour received 3 Design Awards – more than any other company.

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Carrefour received 3 Design Awards - more than any other company - at Observeur du design awards on 9 December 2014

Carrefour received 3 Design Awards – more than any other company – at Observeur du design awards on 9 December 2014

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Target CEO Brian Cornell announced several leadership roles in key areas to fuel digital transformation and enhance guest experience

Casey Carl elevated to Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, 2014-12-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell today announced the elevation and expansion of several leadership roles in key areas across the enterprise, as the retailer continues to accelerate the business, fuel its digital transformation and enhance the guest experience.

“Today’s organizational announcements reflect our continued focus on the guest and our goal of delivering an extraordinary experience to ensure that Target not only meets but exceeds our guests’ expectations. With these changes, we are even better positioned to continue to drive the momentum in our business in 2015 and beyond,” said Cornell.

Strategy and Innovation
Casey Carl, president, omnichannel and senior vice president, strategy, will assume the role of chief strategy and innovation officer. With this move, Carl joins Target’s leadership team reporting to Cornell. Additionally, the retailer is creating a center of excellence under Carl’s leadership to accelerate and strengthen its data, analytics and business intelligence capabilities. This effort will be led by Paritosh Desai in the new role of senior vice president, Enterprise Data, Analytics and Business Intelligence.

Guest Experience
Jeff Jones, chief marketing officer, will take on the added responsibility of leading Target’s work in architecting the guest experience across all channels and touch points. Additionally, Jones will create and lead a new guest center of excellence, designed to enable the organization to develop a greater sense of advocacy and empathy for the guest in all of its business decisions.

Corporate Social Responsibility
To more closely align Target’s corporate social responsibility efforts and support of the communities in which it does business, Laysha Ward, president, Community Relations, becomes executive vice president, chief corporate social responsibility officer. Ward’s expanded organization will include the Community Relations, Global Affairs and Sustainability teams as well as Target Foundation.

Target.com and Mobile
To further drive the growth of mobile and e-commerce, Jason Goldberger has been named President, Target.com and Mobile. Goldberger joined Target two years ago from Gilt, where he launched a new Gilt Home site and grew the business by more than 40 percent, and his background also includes eight years at Amazon. Additionally, Dawn Block has been promoted to senior vice president, Target.com and mobile merchandising.

Investor Relations
In an effort to elevate the work of investor relations, John Hulbert has been named vice president, Investor Relations, and will continue to build engagement among investors and the financial community.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,934 stores – 1,801 in the United States and 133 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit to communities, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom. For a behind-the-scenes look at Target, visit ABullseyeView.com or follow@TargetNews on Twitter.

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An exclusive deluxe edition of Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons’ new album Smoke + Mirrors available only at Target

MINNEAPOLIS, 2014-12-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons today announced that they will release their new album, Smoke + Mirrors, on February 17, 2015, via KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records.

An exclusive deluxe edition available only at Target, which features four extra tracks and exclusive cover art, is available for pre-order beginning today on Target.com, and will go on sale in stores and on Target.com on February 17.

On Smoke + Mirrors, Imagine Dragons use the frenetic energy of life on the road to infuse their music with both raw tension and intense vulnerability. As on their double-platinum full-length debut Night Visions, the band works with sharply crafted beats and grooves to dream up rhythm-driven rock music that’s artful yet visceral. Also revealing the band’s dedication to keeping it homespun, Smoke + Mirrors marks the first release recorded in their new self-built home studio.

Formed in 2009, and featuring lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman, Imagine Dragons quickly earned a grassroots following. With 2012’s Night Visions, the album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, sold nearly four million copies worldwide, and became the No. 1 album on Spotify Worldwide for 2013. Night Visions’ second single, the 9x-platinum “Radioactive,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rock chart and earned the band a 2014 Grammy for “Best Rock Performance.” It is the best-selling rock song in U.S. digital history. The third single, “Demons,” hit No. 1 at Alternative and Top 40 radio, and has sold 3.9 million copies in the U.S. The band has sold more than 24 million tracks worldwide.

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An exclusive deluxe edition of Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons' new album Smoke + Mirrors available only at Target

An exclusive deluxe edition of Grammy Award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons’ new album Smoke + Mirrors available only at Target

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Target: Unbeatable Last-Minute Sales, Free Shipping through Dec. 20 and Store Pickup through 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve

Guests Will Find Last-Minute Sales, Free Shipping through Dec. 20 and Store Pickup through 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve

MINNEAPOLIS, 2014-12-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — With one week until Christmas, Target Corp.(NYSE: TGT) today announced that it will continue to offer guests unbeatable last-minute deals and free shipping on Target.com – where orders placed through Saturday, Dec. 20, can still be delivered by Christmas. After Saturday, guests can use Target’s Store Pickup option as a convenient way to make their last-minute purchases. On Christmas Eve, guests can place online orders for store pickup as late as 5 p.m. and have their items ready that day.

“We know our guests have a lot to tackle the week before Christmas and we want to make sure shopping remains fun and stress-free,” said Kathee Tesija, Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer, Target. “From now until Christmas, we’re making it even easier for guests to complete their lists with great deals, free shipping through Dec. 20, and the latest cutoff for same-day store pickup we have ever offered on Christmas Eve.”

Last-Minute Deals

Over the next week, Target will offer unbeatable deals on top gifts in electronics, housewares, toys and more. Check target.com/weeklyad for further details. Some of the top deals from Dec. 21-24 include:

  • Magnavox 32” LED HDTV, $169.99, Reg. $219.99
  • Sony PlayStation 4, $399.99 with a free controller charger (a $19.99 value)
  • Samsung Galaxy 10” Tab 4 16GB tablet, $279.99, Reg. $349.99
  • Keurig 2.0 K400 brewer, $159.99 with a free $30 Target GiftCard
  • 30 percent off select video games and starter packs including Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, Disney Infinity Marvel and Skylanders Trap Team
  • 15 percent off select Disney Junior toys
  • New Bright Remote Control Jeep Mud Slinger, $20.00, Reg. $25.99

Cartwheel Offers

Cartwheel, Target’s mobile savings app, is offering its over 12 million users 50 percent off a different toy every day until Dec. 24. Also, from now until Christmas, Cartwheel will feature more than 150 offers at 25 percent off or more to help guests decorate their homes and complete their holiday shopping lists. Top deals include 15 percent off Sony PlayStation 4 bundles, 15 percent off iPad Air 2, 30 percent off newborn, infant, toddler and kids apparel and 40 percent off boots for the family.

Gift Cards

Target GiftCards are a perfect gift for anyone on the list and are available in denominations from $5 to $1,000. The gift card assortment is available in-store and online and includes 10 traditional gift cards with unique holiday themed designs and two GiftCards that incorporate lights, sounds and motion. Each year, approximately one-third of all Target GiftCards are sold between Black Friday and Christmas and the top time for gift card redemption is the five days following Christmas.

Holiday Shopping Hours

Target stores will continue to offer extended hours through the holiday season:

  • Dec. 16-20: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 12 a.m.
  • Dec. 21-22: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Dec. 23: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Dec. 24: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.
  • Dec. 25: Closed
  • Dec. 26: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 11 p.m., or 12 a.m.
  • Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,934 stores – 1,801 in the United States and 133 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit to communities, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom. For a behind-the-scenes look at Target, visit ABullseyeView.com or follow@TargetNews on Twitter.

Note: Target welcomes media to its stores. To contact your local store about shooting b-roll or photos or to request a local interview during the holiday season, please visit “Find a Store” at Target.com and contact the Leader on Duty.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.

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Target: Unbeatable Last-Minute Sales, Free Shipping through Dec. 20 and Store Pickup through 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve

Target: Unbeatable Last-Minute Sales, Free Shipping through Dec. 20 and Store Pickup through 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve

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Russia’s largest food retailer “Magnit” announced the opening of the new “Magnit Family” stores

Krasnodar, RUSSIA, 2014-12-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — PJSC “Magnit”, Russia’s largest food retailer (the “Company”; MICEX and LSE: MGNT), is pleased to announce the opening of the new “Magnit Family” stores.

Please be informed that today the Company has opened its 87th and 88th “Magnit Family” stores.

The 87th “Magnit Family” store is located at 91, Krasnoflotskaya street (“Niagara” shopping center), Stavropol, North Caucasian federal region. Assortment of the store consists of more than 7,000 SKUs, out of which about 93% 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 11 pm.

The 88th “Magnit Family” store is located at Rybatskaya street, Novorossiysk, Krasnodar krai, Southern federal region. Assortment of the store consists of about 8,900 SKUs, out of which about 89% are food items. There are 13 cash desks installed in the sales area. The outlet is owned by the Company.
The store is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 11 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: +7-861-277-45-54 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 September 30, 2014, Magnit operated 25 distribution centers and over 9,020 stores (7,891 convenience, 243 hypermarkets, and 886 drogerie stores) in approximately 2,000 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the reviewed IFRS consolidated financial statements for 1H 2014, Magnit had revenues of $9,979 million USD and an EBITDA of $1,045 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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Inter IKEA Group sold 51% majority share of Inter IKEA Centre Group A/S to Ingka Group (IKEA Group)

Leiden, Netherlands, 2014-12-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Inter IKEA Group has signed an agreement to sell its 51% majority share of Inter IKEA Centre Group A/S to Ingka Group (also referred to as the IKEA Group).

Ingka Group already owns 49% of the shares of Inter IKEA Centre Group. The transaction will enable Ingka Group to bring their existing shopping centre business in Russia, and the Inter IKEA Centre Group businesses in Europe and China under one roof.

Ingka did earlier this year express an interest in buying Inter IKEA Centre Group, and a thorough due diligence has been performed by the buyer. After agreeing on the commercial terms, the parties have now signed an agreement.

– I believe that this transaction creates great opportunities to further develop and strengthen the shopping centre business, benefiting tenants and consumers in the retail centres, as well as co-workers, says Søren Hansen, CEO of Inter IKEA Group in a comment.

Inter IKEA Centre Groups operates 36 retail destinations, of which 31 are shopping centres, totalling 1.5 million square meters, and have a pipeline of some 12 retail destinations under development. The total assets under management are about euro 4 billion. The transaction takes place on December 31st 2014.

Inter IKEA Group media contact
Kristian Sjöholm, +32 486 040 963, kristian.sjoholm@inter-IKEA.com

Link to IKEA Group press release regarding the transaction